ADOPTED BY THE 


National Association of Master 
House Painters and Decorators 

of the United States 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



□ ODDDa^HHD* 







































































LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Clp{t-Copijrigfjt _ 

Shelf... 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






































































































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SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENTS 

-ADOPTED BY THE- 

/ 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 


MASTER HOUSE PAINTERS AND DECORATORS 

-OF THE- 

UNITED STATES. 






1895. 








Copyright , 1S94, by 
The National Association of 
Master House Painters and Decorators 
of the United States. 


Macdonald Company, Printers , 

3Q Oliver St., Boston. 




Introduction. 


« 


C ONSERVATIVE men engaged in mercantile or mechanical pursuits adopt such rules or systems for carrying on business 
as the wisdom of past experience has proven to be best. Weights, measures, and prices are fundamental parts of all business 
and trades, and to the master painter are as important factors as to any other craftsman. 

But unlike many of the other building trade contractors, the Master Painters have never had a uniform system of measurements, 
nor would any work have been undertaken to produce such a system had it not been that many of the leading master painters of the 
United States had associated together during the past ten years and formed local and state organizations of Master Painters and 
Decorators. Delegates from the local and state associations constitute the National Association, and by the power and authority 
of the latter, many subjects of an educational nature have been assigned to committees. One of these subjects was, “To formulate 
a uniform system of painters’ measurements,” and the work here presented is the result of the labor of the Committee to whom this 
important matter was assigned. This Committee ask the indulgence of their fellow craftsmen for any shortcomings on their part, 
as they do not claim or pretend to be literary men, but rather as practical master painters to whom the subject of painters’ 
measurements has been something of a study for several years. 

This Committee made its second report to the Convention of Master Painters and Decorators, held at Baltimore, February, 
1894. The report and rules were adopted and the Committee continued; but as it was desirable to have the work printed in book 
form, it was necessary that a fund should be formed to accomplish this. Through the earnest appeals of several prominent members, 
a subscription was opened and in less than five minutes nearly eight hundred dollars was subscribed. All honor to the men and 
associations who did this. It shows that by putting their hands in their pockets, they took a practical way of demonstrating the 
fact that their hearts were in the work of elevating the trade of the master painter. With the fund established, and by vote of the 



Convention, the Committee were directed to publish the report, rules, and drawings as submitted, to make such changes and 
additions as they should deem advisable, and to secure a copyright of the work for the benefit of the National Association of Master 
Painters and Decorators of the United States. 

By the creation of this fund your Committee have been enabled to have this work printed without the aid of advertisers, which 
has been a much pleasanter undertaking than it would have been if compelled by necessity to solicit advertisements to make the 
book a financial success. 

The examples here given of measurements, plans of proceedure, tools necessary, etc., are a few samples that the Committee 
present as likely to be useful (especially to the beginner), and conducive to a uniform system of measurements. The glossary is a 
work of terms used in building, and will be a help for reference when terms of an architectural nature arise. 

The Committee have endeavored to make this work as fair and just to the interests alike of both master and customer as it is 
possible to do, and they cherish the hope that by the adoption of these rules, etc., more uniform estimates may become general than 
obtain at the present time. 


M. F. SHAY, 

F. J. THAYER, 

W. J. EDWARDS, 


- Committee. 



IReport of flfoeasurement Committee, 














Report of Committee to Formulate a System of Measurements. 

« 


The report of the above Committee to the Convention at Cleveland was received as a report of progress only, and thereby 
approved the Committee’s statement that it was impossible to finish the work appointed to them, up to that time. 

From the discussion following the reading of the report and rules, it was evident that the master painters need, and are greatly 
in favor of adopting, a complete system of measurements, and the absence of any such system being in existence was well understood. 

By a motion carried at the Convention, it was voted that no report of the work of the Committee should be taken or printed at 
that time. For many reasons this was the best course. Had an incomplete set of rules been printed and scattered broadcast 
among the craft, the results would have been detrimental to the best interests of the trade. During the past year the Committee 
has appealed to the trade throughout the country to forward to the Committee any rules, methods, or papers that were in existence, 
but the only responses have been by the St. Louis Association and Mr. Japies Marks. 

This appeal was made by a letter to the “ Painter’s Magazine ” of New York, and “House Painting and Decorating” of 
Philadelphia ; both of which supplemented the letter by able editorials. 

Your Committee also wrote a gentleman formerly an editor of one of the trade journals of this country, but now residing in 
England, and requested that he obtain any literature or information obtainable in England on the subject of measurements, and 
the Committee would pay the expense incurred, but we regret to say that an answer has not been received. The Committee have 
ransacked several public libraries without receiving help on measurements. Beautiful books and plates with magnificent 
illustrations of interiors and exteriors of buildings of all ages, peoples, and classes, of great value to the architect, builder, and 
decorator, were at hand ; but for our purposes were of little assistance. Your Committee have held many meetings during the past 
year and have given a great deal of time other than at its meetings to perfect such a system of measurements as, in their opinion, 
will be easy of general application, and conducive to more uniform results when bidding on work. 



8 


REPORT OF MEASUREMENT COMMITTEE. 


We believe that this system, if adopted, will save to the painters may hundreds of dollars in cases of dispute or litigation. We 
have endeavored to produce a system that will be applicable to all buildings, either for the city, town, or country. In nearly every 
case referring to measurements that has come to the notice of the Committee, the question or adoption of a uniform scale of prices 
has appeared to be the principal thing involved. 

We were not appointed to take prices into consideration, and it would have been hopeless and absurd to have done so. Prices 
are and will be governed by locality or local considerations, and supply and demand, and caji be adapted to suit a uniform system 
of measurements. 

The master painter of New York is not able to make more than a square yard from nine square feet, than is the master painter 
of Wayback. But the New York brother may by local considerations, and supply and demand, be enabled to charge as much per 
square yard for painting as his brother from Wayback would get for three or four square yards. We must cut our cloth to fit, and 
if our scales of prices do not conform in our localities to the system of measurements as adopted, w r e must either raise or lower them 
to be of use. A uniform scale of prices for all parts of this great country will never be feasible, but a national system of 
measurements and local price-lists for work can certainly be brought together with advantage to all concerned. 

At the Cleveland Convention your Committee presented some sketches of exteriors and finish that were very crude and not 
true in their scale measurements. 

They were done as a first attempt to illustrate what they believed to be essential to a proper understanding of the intent of the 
rules for outside work. But upon more mature thought, and by the vote of the Association, the Committee have deemed it better 
that the services of a draughtsman should be obtained, and correct drawings made of the main parts and exteriors and interiors 
of buildings. 

These are here for your inspection. You will find that they cover nearly all that is necessary for the great mass of master 
painters to understand. Upon these drawings we have endeavored to partially apply the method for measuring, and by applying 
the rules a practical and illustrated lesson can be had. 

Illustrations often convey to the mind instruction and information much more rapidly and permanently than do words or 
writings. The man or boy will learn to grain a door by seeing a grainer in his operations ten times more quickly than by reading a 
page or two telling how to do it. In our case we present both the illustrations and the written rules and methods for guidance, and 



EXPLA/ 1 ATJ°A °f LETTERS- 

-Plate I - 

The dotted liaes i/idicate me courses i/ueas 

URIAC.AAD THE LETTERS THE 5TARTIAG AAD E1A1SH- 
1AC P0IAT5. _ 

—CHI/WY. A-ASBB. RULE XIX. 

A-A-oae side or GIRTH or Chihaey 
B-B* Height or Chiaiaey. 


—tia Roof C-C. Rule xiv. 
c-c- Width. 


— Crowa Belt. c-c. Rule iy. 

CC-LEAG TH OrCROMBrLTOR CROW A CflKAICE 

-DORAICR CORAICE e-z & rr RULE IV. 

E-E~ On E SIDE. FT- THE EROAT . 

—dormer wiadow frame QGM&H.H UHVL 

G-G-WlDTn or Zkoat AEA5UREACAT. 

n-H* “ •• side 

IT Lea gth or Frame. 

— Doraer Sash + rule m. 

THE FERPEADICULAR AAD MORIZOATAL LIAES 

show the Height aad width or op eaiag. 

—MAIA CORA 1 CLJ-J. 6 K-K. KULL IV 
J-J-Leag th. J-K-girth. 

—Mai a Buildiag walls m-m&ll. Rule hi 
MM-Width. L-L-Heicht. 

—0PEAIAG5. 0-0.A-APF.&Q Q. 

0-0 &A 7 T WIDTH & HEIGHT or 2*” aoOR OPEAIAGS 
P - P & Q ■ Q - “ “ “ » 14 T « « 

—UADERPIA AIAG. YY &W-W. RULE II. 

Y-Y"Height, ww-Leagth. 

—LlAES OA CELLAR WlADOWS DEAOTE HEIGHT 
AAD WID TH PE OPEAIAG. -SEE R ULE. 

-FROAT STEPS. R-R&SS. RULE XVII. 

r-r-lea gth S-S-WlDTH. 

—Buttress. U-U.W.&T-T. Rulexvh 
U U, y-y& Don'A to tread-Girth. T T- Leagth. 

—BLIADS, BALUSTRA DE5,COLUA/15 DOORS 
Bee Rules,or Details oa other Plates. 



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mm 


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Freach Reer house. 


PLATE.! 














































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































REPORT OF MEASUREMENT COMMITTEE. 


9 


we believe that to be of the greatest benefit to the trade, an illustrated work with the rules, system, and method should be gotten up 
embodying the whole. The cost could be largely met by advertisements, and such a work should be in the hands of every master 
painter throughout the United States. We believe that it would be a success financially to the advertisers, and, of more importance 
still, it would be a success in bettering the business of the master painters, and in elevating the craft. 

One of the principal aims of your Committee has been to formulate a system that can be adopted by the trade generally. 
Undoubtedly there are many among you, who in your younger days had the advantage of being taught how to measure. Then 
there are others, who by their experience and natural ability have acquired the necessary knowledge. But the fact remains that the 
greater portion of the master painters are profoundly ignorant of the methods of measurements. Not having the opportunities to 
learn, they have set up individual plans of guess-work, and often the bids resulting therefrom are outrageous in their disparity, and 
are the laughing-stock of the community. 

By the adoption of some such system as we present, we believe that the class just referred to will have the means of educating 
themselves, and truly has it been said by one of our prominent members, that the work of the Master Painters and Decorators 
Association is, and must be for some time to come, of an educational nature. Don’t let us forget this, because we ourselves may 
be posted on any or several subjects to our own satisfaction. Let us think of those who require our help, not only members of our 
associations, but the outsiders, and the young men who may take our places. Let us sow the seed now, although we ourselves 
may reap only a small harvest. 

Your Committee is not aiming to take from surveyors of mechanics’ work any part of their mode of obtaining a living. We 
wish to aid them by a system that is the Standard or National, and has become so by the adoption of the National Association of 
the Master Painters and Decorators. Surveyors’ measurements of the present day often vary as much as do painters’ estimates. 

In England, and in parts of this country, it is often the custom to hire a surveyor to take the measurements of a building, or 
from plans ; and the painter to estimate upon those measurements. This has its advantages in some ways. But generally in this 
country the work to be estimated upon is so competitive that a bid is often called for upon the spot, at other times within a few 
hours, or the next day, so that it is absolutely necessary that the master painter should be able to make his own measurements. 
How often upon plans out for bids, we have to figure in an architect’s office, or they are left with us for an evening with the 
injunction that they must be returned to the builder the next morning, and to have our estimate ready. 



IO 


REPORT OF MEASUREMENT COMMITTEE. 


So we find that with the great American trait of quickness or hustle we must conform, or be left out of the procession. By 
and by, when we are strong enough and united, we may demand more time. 

In connection with the drawings, report, and rules, we have prepared a system or method of proceedure for measuring from 
plans, for the outside of a house, also the tools to be used, a glossary of terms of the different parts of buildings, and some other 
papers dealing in a general way upon the subject of measurements. 

These latter will require some additions and revision, which can be done very easily. 

In conclusion, we place our work for your decision, and we trust that the aims of all will be to benefit the whole trade 
throughout the country. 


M. F. SHAY, 

F. J. THAYER, 

W. J. EDWARDS, 


Committee . 




System of flbamters' Measurements. 

















































































System of Painters’ Measurements. 


TOOLS. 


Tape. A measuring-tape of fifty (50), seventy-five (75), or one hundred (100) feet long, and of good quality. One into which 
eight strands of fine flexible wire are woven is preferable to a steel tape because it is true, and on account of its flexibility can be 
worked into quirks, etc. 

Measuring=Pole. This can be made of one or more joints, similar to a fishing-rod, at the end of which place a detachable 
hook P to take on the ring of the measuring-tape. 

Two=Foot Rule. The necessity of carrying this tool need not be dwelt upon. It should be in the possession of every master 
painter at all times during working hours. 

Brad Awl. Or something similar to jab into a corner board, end of fence, or other place to hold ring end of tape while 

obtaining length. 

♦ 

Plumb Bob. Or weight of some kind may be necessary to attach to ring of tape, when obtaining the height of a building 
from the roof or upper story, by allowing the end of the tape to reach the ground, or any part desired. 

Measurement Book. A plain ruled book about 5 1-2 inches long by 3 1-2 inches wide, with flap and pencil-holder, is the 
one in ordinary use, as it is of the size and shape convenient for the coat pocket. This book should be used only for recording 
measurements. 


H 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


A book for recording measurements would be much better if ruled in some such way as the following example: 


PARTS, ETC., MEASURED. 

SUPERFICIAL 

MEASUREMENTS. 

NUMBER 

OF SQ. FT. 

ALLOWAN¬ 
CES OR 

ADDITIONS. 

TOTAL 

SQ. FEET. 

Two Sides Crown Belt (Plain) 

qoxix2 

40 

* 

60 

Two Ends Crown Belt (Plain) . . 

30x4x2 

3 ° 

i 

45 

Bracketed Dormer Cornice of Six Windows, 

14x0x6 

126 

2i 

3 l 5 

Six Dormer Window Frames. 

7x5x6 

210 


210 

Openings Six Dormer Windows (Sashes). . . 

3x4x6 

72 


72 


9 ) 7 ° 2 


78 

sq.yds. 


In jotting down the figures of measurements in the measurement book, the superficial area only should be noted, and afterward, 
at the office or shop, the allowances as per the rules governing the various parts measured should be added. By doing so, a more 
accurate estimate is obtained than is possible on the job. 

Don’t be in too great a hurry to give a prospective customer a bid. Of course it will be much better to be posted on the Rules 
of Measurements, and thereby be enabled, if called upon to do so, to give an estimate upon the spot. 
























©utstfce Measurements- 




















































































M 0 DERA 11 ©USE. 


COK/A ICE 
SEE KULE 4. 


7LAA 0/1 LI/IE S.S 


FaAcy 

SEE KULE 


■EXPLA/IATiOA Of LETTERS- 

-Plate H.- 

The Dotted liaes iadicatetiic 
Courses in Measuring,aad the let¬ 
ters the STARTIAG AAD HAISM/IG F01ATS. 

—Tower.A-A&B-B. Rules xvimw. 
A-A=Height. b-b-greatest girth 
see Plaa oa liae 5-5. 

-HAA CY SA5HE5, RULE Ylll . 

-Ghiagled Roor. c-c.d-d, E-E.&r-r Rule i 
c-o Width. d-D-Leagth or height 
fT- “ E-E- 

-gablc Cora icc. g-g & rwt. Rule iv. 
g-g-Lcagth or Yz or gable coraice 

H-H* GIRTH PE CORAICE. 

—Gable wall. M.&J-J. Rule hi. 

I-1-Width. 

j-J- Aeasure/ieat eor Hei ght. 

-Mala Walls or House. k-k&l-l Ruiim 
K-k-width. this liae shows PRO¬ 
JECT ions, CURVES, J0G5. ETC. 

L-L- Height or Both -Stories. 


plate.il 










































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


*7 


Outside of French or Mansard Roofed House. 


PLAN OF PROCEEDING —FROH THE GROUND. 

Chimneys. If possible from the ground, count the number of courses of brick (which with the mortar joint are usually 2 1-2 
inches high), commencing or ending with the lowest course near the roof, for the height, and obtain the girth of chimney by 
estimation. The eye will have to be relied upon to furnish estimations of height or girth where impracticable to apply the tape, and 
by a little practice will be found nearly correct. If there are other chimneys of same dimensions, multiply the product of one by 
that number. Chimneys.—Rule XIX. Plate I. 

Crown Belt. Stick the awl with end of tape measure attached, either in the ground or building, on a line as near as possible 
perpendicular with the side of crown belt, and measure to the next corner for length. Estimate the girth by the eye. Jot the 
figures in the measurement book, and in this and all other parts of the building make a note of the style of the part you are 
measuring. In the case of this crown belt, it would be plain, bracketed, or dentiled and bracketed, and the rules will give you the 
allowances for all styles or forms. (See example on page 6.) Now measure the opposite side of the crown belt, and if the length 
and girth are the same as the first side, double the product of the latter; thus two sides of the crown belt are measured at one time, 
or occupy but one line in the book. Apply the same plan to front and back ends of crown belt. Crown Belt.—Rule IV. Plate I. 

Tin Roof. Where the upper roof is tin, obtain the length and breadth (allowing for pitch) by sticking the awl, with tape 
attached, on a line perpendicular with the corners, measuring one side and one end; multiply both together. If the dormer window 
roofs are tinned measure them separately. Tin Roofs.—Rule XIV. Plate I. 

Roof Side Walls. If the sides or ends are shingled, obtain the height by counting the shingles and multiplying the length 

of one by that number, and obtain the length in the same way as the crown belt, but at the point near the line of main cornice. 
Make no deduction for openings. Shingles.—Rule X VI.; also Rule I. Plate I. 

Dormer Windows. Estimate the length and girth of cornice. Cornices.—Rule VI. Plate I. 

Dormer Windows (Frame). Multiply the length all around by girth. Window Frames.—Rule VI. Plate I. 

Dormer Windows (Sashes). Multiply length by breadth. Window Sashes.—Rule VIII. Plate I. 




i8 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


Main Cornice (Tin Roof). If any, multiply the length all around by width. Tin Roofs.—Rule XIV. 

riain Cornice. Obtain the length, and multiply by the estimated girth. Take particular notice whether plain, bracketed, or 
otherwise. Cornice and Copings.—Rule TV. Plate I. 

Side Walls (Main House). Count the number of rows of clapboards, shingles, or bricks (unless using the measuring-pole); 
multiply the weather surface of one by that number for height, and this by the length of side from outside edge of corner board to 
corner board. Add measurements of openings. If the other side is similar, multiply the product by two end walls. If both are alike, 
apply the above method. But if there is an ell to the house, measure the front end singly. Then measure the back end cornice and 
jogs by the plan applied to the side walls.—See Rules /., //., and III. 

Ell, Side Walls, Etc. Apply same proceedure and rules governing similar parts of the main house. 

Brick Underpinning. Obtain the length and multiply by the height, and measure openings in addition.— Rules I., II and 

III. Plate I. 

Lattice. Multiply the length by height. Lattice.—Rule XIII. 

Trellis. The girth of posts and rails, multiplied by length of same. Trellises. — Rule XXI. 

Bay Windows. Allow the full measurement in addition to the measure of the side or end upon which they are placed. 

—Rule III. or II. 

Porch. If with a tin roof, or balustrade, take measurements of them, and be governed by the rules relating to them. For the 
porch cornice or entablature see Rules IV. or XII., the measurements being obtained in a manner similar to main cornice. 

Porch Columns. Either plain or with shaft, capital and base measure by Rule XI. 

Porch Ceiling. The length multiplied by breadth. Ceilings.—Rule XV. 

Buttresses, Stairs, Steps, Stringers, and Hand=Rails. Rule XVII. Plate I. 

Blinds. The height or length by the girth, noting whether plain or swivelled. Blinds. — Riile V. 

Fences, A study of Rule XXII. is necessary, particularly so as there are so many kinds of fences of various forms, etc 
Iron Gratings, Screens, or Bars. Length multiplied by the girth.— Rule IX. 

Conductors. —Rule XIX. Fancy Sashes.— Rule VIII. Storm or Outside Windows. —Rule VIII. Cupolas. — 
Rule XX. 




SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


19 


Figuring on Plans.—Wooden Building. 


INSIDE. 

In estimating on the painting of a building from the plans and by the specifications, the painter should be very careful to read 
over the specifications of the parts written for other building mechanics, for often there are found the specifications of some of the 
work he is supposed to be estimating upon, though the same may not be mentioned in the painter specifications. An instance that 
has come under observation is that in the carpenters’ specifications, mantels are stated “ to be furnished by the owner, and put in 
position by the carpenter.” Sometimes these mantels are of hardwood, and finished at the factory ; at other times they are soft wood, 
and are to be painted, and failure to estimate upon one will often cause the painter to expend as much to finish it as it does to paint 
an ordinary room. Then again the finish of the plasterers’ work is an important thing for the painter to look up, and so on with the 
plumber, steam-fitter, etc., etc. 

Among the many items the painter should carefully look through the specifications for these: 

Picture Houldings. Are they to be painted and to receive a last coat before or after the paper-hanging is finished. 

The kinds of wood for interior finish. 

The kinds of wood for interior floors. 

Is the cellar woodwork to be painted or the walls whitewashed by the painter. 

Who is to finish the radiators. 

What walls are to be painted, and how many coats. 

What ceilings are to be kalsomined or frescoed. 

O 

/ 

Are there any wood or plaster cornices to be painted or kalsomined. Are they plain or otherwise. 

Are the shingles to be dipped ; also what make of stain, price per gallon, etc. 

The quality or makes of stock called for. 




20 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


Rubbing down hardwood finish, etc., and to what degree. 

What halls or rooms are to be dadoed or sheathed, etc. 

Who is to finish mantels. 

Who is to furnish glass and do the glazing. 

Is the work to be primed as soon as put up. 

It may consume fifteen to thirty minutes of time in reading the specifications of an ordinary job, but it is time well spent. 
Disputes and misunderstandings can be avoided to a great extent and also loss of money. Because the painters’ specifications do 
not fully specify everything the architect calls for in other parts as well as his, the painter will generally find that he has to live up 
to the intent of the plans and specifications. 



SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


21 


.4 

Rules for Measuring Outside Work. 


Rule I. To simplify measurements, and to avoid counting the under edges of clapboards, mortar joints of brickwork, under 
edges of shingles add one sq. foot to each sq. yard of such measures. 

Rule 11.—BRICK WALLS. Multiply the height by the width. 

The square measurement of openings to be added in addition to the above. Bay windows to be considered as openings. 

Projecting caps and sills will be considered part of such openings. 

Rule III.—WALLS OF WOODEN BUILDINGS. Measure the same as for brick walls, with the measurement of 
openings added. Bay windows to be considered as openings. 

This rule is also to be applied to any flat, sanded, stone, or cement surface. 

Rule IV.—CORNICES AND COPINGS. Plain Cornices. Multiply the length by one and a half times the girth. 

On buildings two or three stories high, where the walls are not to be painted, multiply the length by three times the girth. On 
buildings four or five stories high, where the walls are not to be painted, multiply the length by four times the girth. 

Six or more stories high, walls not to be painted, judgment of master or surveyor, but not less than the preceding measures. 

Bracket Cornices. Multiply the length by two or three times the girth, according to ornamentation. 

On buildings two or three stories high, where walls are not to be painted, multiply the length by four to six times the girth, 
according to ornamentation. 

On buildings four or five stories high, where walls are not to be painted, multiply the length by six to eight times the girth, 
according: to ornamentation. 

Six or more stories high, walls not to be painted, judgment of master or surveyor, but not less than the preceding measures. 

Bracketed and Dentilled Cornices. Add one to two girths in addition to any of the above. 

This rule is to apply to Dormer cornices, Belt on French roofed house, and porch or similar cornices. 




22 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


Rule V.—OUTSIDE BLINDS AND SHUTTERS. Multiply the height by twice the girth for common slat blinds. 

Multiply the height by three times the girth for swivelled or rolling slat blinds. 

Multiply the height by twice the girth for shutters. 

Rule VI.—DOOR AND WINDOW FRAMES. Door Frames. Either plain or with transoms, not exceeding six 
inches in girth, allow one foot for the girth, and multiply by the length all around. 

Allow double girth for all in excess of six inches. 

Panelled Door Frames. Two and one-half times the girth by the length all around. 

Window Frames. Allow one foot girth on all staff beads, and multiply by the length all around. 

Where the pulley stiles are oiled, double the staff bead allowance. 

Dormer Window Frames. The height of frames, following the face line of frame by the greatest girth from each side and 
across the front, with measurement of openings added. 

Rule VII.—DOORS. (A) Sheathing or Batten Doors. Measure square, and add one inch to girth for each bead, or 
each edge of batten. 

(B) Panelled Doors. The length multiplied by twice the width. 

(C) Door Edges. Measure edges twice on account of lock face and butts. 

Rule VIII.—WINDOW SASHES. Ordinary Sashes. The length multiplied by one and one-half times the width. 
Outside windows same measurement. 

Fancy Sashes. The length by three times the width. 

Rule IX.—IRON GRATINGS, SCREENS, OR BARS OF WINDOWS OR DOORWAYS. The square measurement 
of one side multiplied by four to six times. 

Grille=Work. Judgment of master or surveyor. 

Rule X.—BALUSTRADES. (A) Fancy or Turned Balusters. Four times the height of one side of the balustrade 
with top surface of upper and lower rail added, multiplied by length of balustrade-rail. 

(B) Fancy Open, Jig=Sawed, or Fretwork Balustrades. Same rule. 



SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


2 3 


(C) Plain Balustrades. Where plain, round, or square balusters are used, two and one-half times the height of one side of 
balustrade with top surface of upper and lower rail added, multiplied by length of balustrade-rail. 

Rule XL—COLUMNS. The Shaft. When plain, the length by one and one-half times the girth. When fluted, the 
length by two times the girth, pressing the tape into the flutes. When panelled, the length by two and one-half times the girth. 

Capitals. When foliated, the height by ten times the girth. When plain, the height by three times the girth. 

Base. The height by twice the largest girth. 

Rule XII.—ENTABLATURE. Rule IV. will govern, but the under side and inner side of architrave are to be added to 
the girth. 

Rule XIII.—LATTICE=WORK. When painted on one side only, three times the height by the length. 

When painted on both sides, five times the height of one side by the length. 

Rule XIV.—TIN ROOFS. To be measured square. 

Where scraping is required, double the surface. 

Where difficult to get at, two or three times the surface measurement. 

Rule XV.—CEILINGS. Plain or Beaded Sheathing. Twice the width by the length, and where beaded, add one 
inch for each bead. 

On buildings where walls are not to be painted, the length by three times the width. 

Plain or chamfered, ribbed and sheathed ceilings, three and one-half times the square measurement of ceiling. 

Where walls are not to be painted, five times the square measurement. 

Rule XVI. (See Rule I.)—SHINGLES. On towers or other places difficult to get at, measure the height multiplied by the 
greatest girth. All openings added on side walls of house, or walls of French roof, the height by greatest length. All openings 
added. 

Dipping Shingles. One thousand shingles, or four bunches, are allowed by carpenters to cover one hundred square feet of 
ordinary work; but the painter dipping nine or ten inches of each shingle is covering at least four times the surface exposed to the 
weather, and will estimate at four hundred square feet for each one thousand shingles or four bunches. 



24 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


Rule XVII,—HAND-RAILS, STAIRS, STEPS OR STRINGERS, AND BUTTRESSES. Double the superficial 
measurement. 

Rule XVIII.—FLOORS. Square measurement. 

Rule XIX. —CHIMNEYS, VERGE BOARDS, SNOW GUARDS, CRESTINGS, AND CONDUCTORS [OR 
SPOUTS. Four times the girth multiplied by the length. 

Rule XX.—CUPOLAS AND DOiTES. Three times the girth at base, multiplied by the greatest height. 

Rule XXL—TRELLISES. Three times the girth of posts and rails, and multiply by the le ngth. 

Arched Trellises. Four times the superficial measurement. 

Rule XXII.—FENCES. Common Picket or Board Fences. To be measured on the rail side, with girth of rails 
added; this to be doubled, and multiply by length of fence with circumference of posts added to the length. 

Picking in, or top rail to pickets, add one-quarter to the above measurements. 

Fences composed of turned balusters, Rule X. (A). 

Fences of Fancy Sawed Work, Fretwork or Fancy Open Work. Rule X. (A), with girth of posts added to length. 

Iron Moulded Fences. Four times the height of one side, multiply by length, with girth of posts added to the length, if 
such posts are to be painted. 

Iron Bars or Pipe Fences. Four times the girth of such pipes or bars, but in no case less than one foot for girth of each 
pipe or bar, multiplied by length of fence, with girth of posts added to length, if such posts are to be painted. 

kule XXIII.—SPIRES AND TOWERS. Plain Bordered. The greatest girth by double the height. 

Panelled or Fancy Finished. Judgment of master. 

Rule XXIV.—SKYLIGHTS. Three to four times square measurement. 

Rule XXV.—JUDGHENT OF MASTER OR SURVEYOR. On store fronts, finials, fancy cutting of colors, or lining 
in color, gilding, carving, or ornamental work, etc., etc., or where it is impracticable for the master to apply the foregoing rules, the 
judgment of master or surveyor must be taken. 







Bracket. 


/ 




1 TT 



Y 


J 


Lattice vader Piazza. 



5ect io/i or Cor/iICE. 


Sect io/i or 
Piazza Rail% 5 alvsi 1 er.( 


V77a 


A 



A 

J 


A 


y y > 






. 5 ECT 10 A or 

Wi/1D0WCA5IAG \ 5A5H. 


5ECTI0A or 
Water Table. 


RULE X.A 


J 


c~\ n n n 


B. 


n 






\ 


"A 




/ 





n 


Bracket or P/azza. 


G 



A.A'- '/zCiRcmrzKzncz 
or SHAFT 


u u 




w 


L_y u 


Bectioa or 

TREADS RISERS. 


L c 


/ 






Piazza Colv/a/t 

RULE XI 


c 



PXPLAAATi 0/\ or LETTERS. 

The Dotted li/ies iadicate the courses ia 

MEA5UR1AG, g> THE LETTERS THE STARTING h ElAiSEliAG P0I/1TS . 

—Sectioa °r coraice FT. Rule iv 
IT- gi rth °r coraice. 

-LA TTICE PAPER PIAZZA. RU LEXIII. 

-Piazz a,BA msTERtRAiLSECTioA Ruuu 
-Brackets. G-G&n-H. 
g g-leagth.■ IT fl- Girth-width or 

FACE. t n/O SIDES AT MEDIUM W IDTH. _ 

—The drawi/igs oa this Plate are details or Plate II — 


—Piazza Coli/h/tAABB.&CC. Rule* 
A= VzCiRcu/rrEREACE orsnArT. 
B-B-nncHT or capital cc-Height or base 

—Risers & treads or Stefs D D ruixm 
D-D- Inc LITE tor letgth. 


—waterTable, c-C. 
c-c* girth. 


RULE HI 


PACL or BRACKET 


Ovtside Details. 


PLATE.HE 


<->l 














































































































































































































































































































































































































































Unsifce flfceasut'ements 



SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


27 


INSIDE WORK. 

By carefully following the rules and system as here laid down, the painter will become so well posted that in a great many cases 
the time consumed in estimating will be very small indeed. 

Many buildings are planned on the same, or nearly the same, general ideas. 

The suburban private house usually has a parlor, dining-room, a library or sitting-room, a kitchen, china-closet, pantry, back 
entry, and back stairs, a front hall and stairway, and perhaps a vestibule,—all on the first story. On the second story are three or 
four chambers (with clothes-closets) of dimensions similar to parlor, dining-room, and library (or it may be a sitting-room), with a 
small chamber or sewing-room over the front hall, and a bedroom over the kitchen, with a bathroom close by, and second hall or 
landing. If of two and a half stories, the half or attic story has about three attic rooms, and a trunk-room, with a closed staircase 
from the second floor; clothes-closets in all rooms. The tenement-house of the city of three or more stories high, generally is a 
repetition of the first floor, with perhaps the addition of a small chamber over the front hall on the other floors. The ordinary 
tenement-house contains a parlor, dining-room, kitchen (with set wash-trays or tubs) china-closet, pantry, and two or three chambers, 
bathroom, and private entry leading to all the rooms. Then there are the main stairway and the back stairs. 

In higher rent apartment-houses perhaps two more rooms, a sitting-room or library, and another chamber, will be about fair to 
add as the average. 

In buildings specially constructed for mercantile or office purposes, the painter will do well to look in the carpenters’ 
specifications for information regarding dadoes, sheathing, and wainscoting of the offices and stores. If the finish is to be 
elaborately panelled, or fancy dadoes built, iron staircases, or grille-work for elevator openings, etc., these demand extra care in 
preparing an estimate. 

Many master building mechanics have suffered considerable loss by hastily and imperfectly arriving at an estimate from a 
careless examination of the plans and specifications. 



28 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


WOOD FINISHED INTERIORS. 

Interior. The interior finish of a house will follow the same general rule, independent of the exterior finish, so that by 
following the plan below you have the usual interior finish of most houses. There may be in some houses parts or finish not 
mentioned here, but the rules will govern such, or they will be left to the painter’s judgment to estimate upon. 

ist. Commence by taking the first-floor plan, and begin with the doors. The dimensions are usually on the plans, but you 
must allow more than these state, as these only give the sizes as though they were flat boards. Allow for mouldings, quirks, etc., 
as near as you can by judging of the general finish intended. Suppose the dimensions of a door are stated as 7 feet by 3 feet 6 inches, 
yet if you could put your tape and measure such a door, by following the quirks and allowing for the door edge, your measures 
would, in all probability, be 7 feet 6 inches by 3 feet 9 inches,each side. So you will recollect all through your measuring from plans 
to take into account the finish and its intended style. The specifications usually indicate the style of finish, and the plans the 
measurements. If there are several doors of the size above — suppose eight doors—your figures would read thus: 16 door sides 
7 feet 9 inches high x 3 feet 6 inches = 334 feet 8 inches, or 37 1-2 square yards,—near enough. 

In all cases where there are parts that have the same measurements, multiply by the number, and thereby simplify your 
measurements. 

To proceed. Put down the sizes of the other doors; next measure the door frames, stopping at the rabbet, which is much better 
than to measure the casing on the other side, because the two sides of a door frame are often of different finish, or call for different 
treatment. 

Window frames are next in order, and the way to measure is similar to door frames, of course taking in the stool 

Window sashes are to follow, measuring square, and being governed by the rule dealing with sashes. 

Ordinary base or mopboards, if such are to be built, or if panelled dado or wainscoting is to be the finish, you may have to 
refer to the carpenters’ specifications, or guess the height. 



SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


29 


Mantels, if any, will also probably be taken by guess-work. The general style of house to be built will furnish the necessary 
or approximate information. 

The floors throughout the house, if of hardwood to fill and finish, or to stain and shellac or varnish if soft wood, oiling of hard 
pine, or painting of soft pine or spruce,—had better be gone over by the estimator as a special or separate part, and the style of finish 
noted. 

Wall painting, tinting, or decorating of ceilings, would be better to make estimates upon in one class, rather than to be put 
among the wood finishing. 

China-closets, pantries, vestibule, and back entries are next to be measured. 

After this has been done, measure the finish of second and third-floor rooms, following the method of first floor. Don’t forget 
clothes-closets and bathroom. 

Now take the front and upper halls, landings, and stairway. First the doors and door frames, then window frames and sashes, 
next the risers, treads, and stair balustrade as per Rule VI. and Plate VI., and you will do well to become thoroughly acquainted 
with these rules and sketches in advance. 

Having taken the measurements carefully throughout, compare and adjust them by the rules, and allowances there set forth, 
reduce to square yards, and multiply by your price per square yard. In addition to this product, add the prices for the several parts 
left to the judgment of the painter, and the result will not vary much from those bidding against you who follow the same rules and 
prices. 




30 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


Rules of Measurements for Inside Painting. 


CEILINGS AND CORNICES. 

Rule I.— CEILINGS. Washed and whitened or tinted, allow double surface. \\ ashed, sized, and whitened or tinted, triple 
surface. This applies to work done with whiting or Paris white only. 

CORNICES.—Wooden or Plaster. 

(A) Containing three or four mouldings and cove treated in different tints—each separate moulding and cove—girth one foot. 

(B) When treated in one color or tint allow twice its girth. 

(C) When washed and sized, and tinted or whitened, allow three times its girth. 

(D) Dentilled cornices, four or five times the greatest girth by the length. 

This rule will apply to mouldings (stucco) on ceilings. 

Where a cornice girths twelve inches, allow eighteen inches. 

Where a net girth of cornice is eighteen inches, three feet may be allowed. 

Cornices decorated with leaves, or an egg and dart moulding, three feet may be allowed. 

Centre Pieces. Will be measured in same manner as cornices, the tape to be carried on outer rim of same, the number of 
tints to be noted and charged as in cornices. Judgment to be used in highly moulded or decorated centres. 

Rule II.—WALL PAINTING. Where finish of room is hardwood, or where color has to be cut in carefully, make no 
allowance for openings. 

If finish is to be painted, one-half of openings may be deducted. 

On staircase walls, add one-third to surface measurement; no deduction for openings. 

China-closets, triple surface measurement; no deduction for openings. 

Pantries, double surface measurement; no deduction for openings. 





SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


3 1 


Tinting Walls. Where the walls have to be washed and sized, add one-quarter to surface measurement; no deduction for 
openings. Rough cast walls, such as in churches or theatres, etc., add one-half to surface measurement. No deduction for 
openings. This will apply to tinting as well as oil painting. 

Decorative work on walls and ceilings, to be left to the judgment of the master. 

Rule 111. — INTERIOR WOOD FINISH. (A) All finish, plain or moulded, which will girth from four to six inches wide, 
allow one foot. 

Above six inches and not over twelve inches wide, allow two feet for the width; between twelve and eighteen wide, allow 
three feet. 

(B) Where corner block and plinth are used with the finish, add one foot to perpendicular for each. 

(C) Where decorated or fancy headers are used, allow three to six times its length. 

Rule IV.—FULL TRIMMED WINDOWS. Shutters and Blinds. Measure around back-band, and if architrave is 
panelled, allow three feet girth, but if not, measure as by Rule III. 

Shutters on full trimmed windows, allow if they are folding, one foot girth for each face of fold if plain moulded. On panelled 
shutters allow one foot six inches for each face of fold. 

If blinds are combined with shutters, allow three times the width of each face of fold. 

Rule V. —For Surbase or Washboard, allow not less than one foot for height. When base and moulding exceed ten 
inches, allow fifteen inches. 

Shelving, as in closets, nine inches to one foot wide, shall measure one and one-half times the actual measurement. 

For strips where cut in on one edge, allow four times the width. 

Dado. Where panelled allow two to three times the width. 

Where sheathed with cap and base twice the width. 

Rule VI.—STAIRS. Measure froiji top edge of base to extreme edge of stringer for the girth, and for length measure the 
risers and treads, with one-half of such length added. 

If stairs are cut down the same rule will apply. 



3 2 


SYSTEM OF PAINTERS’ MEASUREMENTS. 


Hand-rail and balusters will measure from tread, up the longest baluster, around hand-rail and down to tread. If two balusters 
are to each tread, double the measurement for girth; if three balusters to a tread, allow three times the measurement. 

Where the balustrade is finished with balusters, and lower part panelled, the same rule will apply. 

The greatest circumference of newel post is to be added when getting the length of stair balustrade. 

Rule VII.—SASHES. Painted or varnished, will be measured square if of two or more lights. 

If twelve or more lights are in window, add one-half the measurement or double, according to amount of work. 

Fancy sashes, the length by three times the width. 

Rule VIII.—SHEATHING. When plain, will be measured one and one-half times its surface. 

Beaded sheathing, allow one inch for each bead in addition to above measurement. 

Rule IX.—MANTELS. Plain, three times the square measurement; no deduction for openings. 

For moulded and carved mantels, five to ten times the square measurement; no deduction for openings. 

Rule X.—FLOORS. Allow for plain, one and one-half times the square measurement. 

Hardwood floors with plain centre and border, allow double the square surface. 

Parquet floors, or those laid in alternate strips of different woods, three to five times its surface. 

Rule XI.—MOULDINGS, BEADS, and strips of less than four inches in width and separated from other finish, allow not 
less than one foot for width. 

Rule XII.—BLINDS. Where plain slats are used multiply the length by three times the girth. 

Swivel or rolling slat blinds, multiply the length by four times the girth. 

/ 

Rule XIII.—DOORS AND WINDOW FRAMES. Either plain or with transom, not exceeding six inches in girth, allow 
one foot for girth, and multiply by length all around. 

Allow double girth for all in excess of six inches. • 

Panelled frames, three times the girth by length all around. 

Doors, Sheathing, or Batten Doors. Measure square with one-half added, and an inch for each bead to the width measurement. 



RULE X 


HULL 4' 




iro: 


&7 


A. 




'CURVE °R 8GEE- 
~Resr> 

t 


t\ l 


J 0 rJ JM SjVJJT 



T 1 

n /\ 

i\\ t* T 

- . 

J rJ 

j fr\ J 

J \ 1 iLi 


-Gl/iz i/ta- 


_ 






FU 











-/l/ID- v 

-p?E, 5 C 01 /\G- 


•cxpla/iatio/i °r letters- 

-Plate ;v- 
Tmz Dotted liae5 iadicatl 

THE C0UR5C5 IA MEA5URIAG AAD THE 

Letters, the 5tarti/ig& Fia ish iac Poiat5. 
- «(»»- 

-Maia Wall A-A.fcB-B.RULC ii 
A-a.-Wid th, b-b.--Heig ht. 

-0PCAIAG5. c-c,D-D,mr-r. Rule ii 

CC-nciGHT. D-D-WIDTH. 3 W FLOOR OFLAIACS 
C-C* “ FT- • 2“ * « • 

—Gaabrel Cad Coraice /i /I &0-0 Rule w 
A-A*Leag th. O-O-Girth . 

— Gafibrel Cad wall. L-L&A-A Rule ill 
L-L-Width. M-A-Height. 

—Pitch Roof Cad coraice JJ&K-K Ruleiv' 
vi-J* Lcag th. KK-Girth . 

— Pitch Koor Lid Fall g-G&h-K Rule III 
C-G-WiDTtt R-tl*HEIGriT. 


— BALUS TRADE. RU LE X 

—Cor aice. R ule iv. 

—STORE TROAT. 
—Rule XXV 


-Gr* 


ST ORE, TK OAT 

TsJJKL JXV. 


A-B-C* Gothic or 45 ° pitch. 

A-D-C- TRUCOR RO/HAA OR JO ° PITCH. 

A-C-C-- rLIZABCTHIAA. KAITC EDGE OR 60 °FITCH 
AAY PITCH LC 55 THAA 30 ° 15 GRLCIAA PITCH. 



A GAABREL ROOF' 



H 


L 


6 r 


3 ^ 


fitch root 


PLATE IV. 








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































SYSTEM OF PAINTERS' MEASUREMENTS. 


33 


Panelled Doors, the length multiplied by twice the width. 

Door edges, measure twice the width on account of lock face and butts. 

Rule XIV.—COLUMNS, PILASTERS. Columns. Measure as per Rule XI. for outside work. 

Pilasters. Two-thirds of column measurement. 

Rule XV.—BALUSTRADES. Fancy balustrades of all kinds, six times the height of baluster and by length. 

Rule XVI.—Staging or Scaffolding for Interior or Exterior Painting. Where a carpenter's or builder’s staging or 
scaffolding is necessary to execute certain work on interior or exterior painting or decorating, the cost of such stage or scaffold 
must be estimated in addition to the foregoing rules. 

The skill and taste of the painter and decorator are called upon in interior painting and decorating to a larger extent than 
upon outside work, and there are many parts of interior finish and many ways of decoration to which no rule of measurement 
will apply. To all such the judgment of the master must be applied. 







(Blossarv of Brcbttectural ferine. 



■ 















































r 


4 


Glossary of Architectural Terms. 


Abaciscus. Sometimes used as synonomous with “abacus” but more 
correctly applied to a square compartment enclosing a part or the 
whole pattern or design of a mosaic pavement. 

— Givilt's Ency. of Arch. 

Abacus. The upper member of the capital of a column. It is sometimes 
square, often curved, forming on the plan segments of a circle called 
the arch of the abacus, and is commonly decorated with a rose or other 
ornament in the centre, and having the angles called horns of the 
abacus cut off in the direction of the radius or curve.— Kidder. 

Abutment. The solid part of a pier from which the arch immediately 
springs.— Givilt. 

Acanthus. A plant found in the south of Europe, representations of 
whose leaves are used for decorating the Corinthian and Composite 
capitals; the leaves are used on the bell of the capital and distinguish 
the two rich orders from the three others.— Kidder. 

Acroterium. The ridge of a building. Sometimes applied to the small 
pieces of wall in balustrades between the pedestal and baluster, and 
again to pinnacles which stand in ranges in copings or parapets of 
buddings. 

Aisle. A side passage in a church partially separated from the house by 
columns or piers.— Kidder. 

Anv one of the passages in a church or hall into which the pews open. 

— Worcester. 


Alcove. The strict meaning is, that part of a chamber in which the bed 
stands, separated from other parts of the room by columns or 
pilasters. It is now used to express any large recess in a room gener¬ 
ally separated by an arch.— Kidder. 

Alto-Rilievo. High relief; a sculpture, the figures of which project from 
the surface on which they are carved.— Kidder. 

A representation of figures standing out or relieved almost entirely from 
the background. 

Ambulatory. An alley. A gallery.— Kidder. 

Anta, Antae. Pilasters when attached to a wall. In all Greek examples 
their capitals are different from the columns which they accompany. 

A pilaster or square projection terminating the side wall of a temple. 

A portico with columns between the anta; is said to be “ in antis.” 

— Weale. 

Antae-fixae. Heads of lions, etc., for water-spouts, below the eaves. 

— Givilt. 

Ornamental heads of lions, etc., through channels in which, usually by 
the mouth, the water is carried from the eaves.— Kidder. 

In Gothic architecture they are called gargoyles. 

Ornaments above the eaves of a temple to hide the ends of the joint tiles. 

Angle Bead or Staff Bead. A vertical wooden bead fixed to an angle 
and flush with the intended surface of the plaster on each side.— Givilt. 



38 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Apophyge. Part of a column between the upper fillet or annulet on the 
base and the cylindrical part of the shaft. 

Apron. A plain or moulded piece of finish below the stool of a window 
to cover the rough edges of the plastering.— Kidder. 

Arabesque. That sort of ornaments and mosaics which adorn the walls 
and pavements of Arabian houses.— Givilt. 

Arcade. A range of arches, supported either on columns or on piers and 
detached, or attached to the wall.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 4jg. 

A long continued arch or series of arches elevated on piers or columns; 
a walk arched above ; a long arched building or gallery lined on each 
side with shops.— Webster. 

Arch. A segment or part of a circle. A concave or hollow structure of 
stone or brick supported by its own curve.*- It may be constructed of 
wood and supported by the mechanism of the work. 

A vault is properly a broad arch. 

The space between two piers of a bridge, when arched, or any place 
covered with an arch. 

Any curvature in the form of an arch.— Webster. 

Architrave. The chief beam. That part of the entablature which rests 
immediately on the heads of the columns and is surmounted by the 
frieze. It is also called the epistylum or epistyle. 

The moulded enrichment on the sides and head of a door or window also 
is called an architrave.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

Architrave Cornice. An entablature consisting of an architrave and 
cornice only, without the interposition of a frieze.— Weale. 

Arehivolt. Is applied to the architrave moulding on the face of an arch 
and following its contour.— Eticy. Vol. II. p. 460. 

In Architecture , the inner contour of an arch, or a band adorned with 
mouldings running over the faces of the arch stones, and bearing upon 
the imposts. It has only a single face, in the Tuscan order, two faces 
crowned, in the Doric and Ionic, and the same mouldings as the archi¬ 
trave in the Corinthian and Composite.— Webster. 


Area. A small court or place, often sunk below the general surface of 
the ground, before windows in the basement story ; also a small court 
level with the ground.— Givilt. 

Arris Gutter. A wooden gutter of this form (V) fixed to the eaves of a 
building.— Givilt. 

Ashler or Ashlar. Plane ashlar is where building stone is smoothed to 
take out the marks of the tools. 

Tooled ashlar is when it is wrought into regular flutes, etc. 

Random tooled when cut without regularity. 

Pointed ashlar when wrought with a very narrow tool. 

When the stones project beyond the joints it is “ Rusticated Ashlar.” 

When pitted into deep holes “ Prison Rustic.” 

Astragal. Properly applied only to the ring separating the capital from 
the column.— Givilt. 

Attic. A low story above an entablature or above a cornice which limits 
the height of the main part of an elevation.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

A story in the upper part of a house, with small window's either in or 
above the cornice. 

A small square pillar with its cornice on the uppermost part of a building. 

Attics properly form the crow'n of a building or a finishing of the other 
orders.— Webster. 

Attic Order. A term to denote the low pilasters used in the decoration 
of an attic story.— Kidder. 

Awning. Any covering intended as a screen from the sun or rain.— Givilt. 

A cover spread over any place without a roof.— Worcester. 

Balcony. A projection from the face of a wall supported by columns 
and surrounded by a balustrade.— Kidder. 

Baluster. A small column or pilaster of various forms and dimensions, 
often adorned w r ith mouldings, etc., used for balustrades.— Webster. 

A small column or pier supporting a pierced parapet; the parapet itself, 
when pierced, is never called a balustrade.— Ency. Vol. II. f>. 460. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


39 


Balustrade. A row of balusters, joined by a rail, serving as a fence or 
enclosure for altars, balconies, staircases, terraces, tops of buildings, 
etc.— Webster. 

Band. A sort of flat frieze of fascia running "horizontally around a tower 
or other part of a building, particularly the base tables in perpendicular 
work; commonly used with the long shafts characteristic of the 
thirteenth century. It generally has a bold, projecting moulding above 
and below and is sometimes carved with foliage at the junction of the 
frusta of the column.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

Any flat, low member or moulding, broad, but not deep, called also fascia, 
face, or plinth.— Webster. 

Banister. Vulgar term for a baluster. — Gwilt. 

Bar of a Sash. The strips which divide a window-sash into compart¬ 
ments for the glass.— Gwilt. 

Barge Boards or Verge Boards. Inclined boards on the gable end of 
a building and covering the ends of the horizontal roof timbers. 

— Weale. 

Barge Course. That part of the tiling of a roof which projects over the 
gable end.— P. Cyc. 

Base. That part of a column on which a shaft stands. Either flat or 
moulded.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

The bottom of anything considered as its support, or the part of the 
thing on which it stands or rests, as the base of a column, the pedestal 
of a statue, the foundation of a house, etc. 

In Architecture, the base of a pillar, properly, is that part which is 
between the top of the pedestal and the bottom of the shaft; but when 
there is no pedestal, it is the part between the bottom of the column 
and the plinth. Usually it consists of certain spires or circles. The 
pedestal also has its base.— Webster. 

Base of a Room. The lower projecting part. It consists of two parts,— 
the lower, a plain board, called the plinth, adjoining the floor,—the 
upper, of one or more mouldings, called the base mouldings.— Gwilt. 


Basement. A basement story is a story placed wholly or partly below 
the level of the ground on the outside of and about the building. 

Basement, applied specially as architects apply it, means the compart¬ 
ment in the elevation of a building upon which any columnar pilastered 
or arcaded ordinance may rest, as in a building of which the base¬ 
ment begins at the level of the floor of the vestibule, being about that 
of the street pavement, and extends upwards to the first story. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

In Architecture, the ground floor on which the order or columns 
decorating the principal story are placed. 

In modern architecture, a story below the level of the street.— Webster. 

Basso-Rilievo or Bas-Relief. The representations of figures pro¬ 
jected from a background without being detached from it. 

“ Alto-Rilievo,” when the figure projects more than half. 

“ Mezzo,” when it projects one-half. 

“ Basso,” less than half.— Kidder. 

Bat. A piece of brick less than half its regular length. — Gwilt. 

Batement Lights. The lights in the upper part of a perpendicular 
window, abated, or only half the length of those below. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

Batten. A piece of board, or scantling, of a few inches in width. 

— Webster. 

Batten Door. A door made of sheathing and secured on the back side 
by strips put crosswise and nailed with clinched nails. 

Batter. Batter signifies a wall, piece of timber, etc., which does not 
stand upright but inclines from you, when you stand before it; when 
it leans toward you it is said to overhang.— Kidder. 

Batter Boards. Rough boards nailed to stakes set in the ground to serve 
as guides in the location of cellar walls and their height. 

Battlement. A wall or projection on a building, with embrasures or 
open places, originally designed for military purposes. The lower 



40 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


part offers facilities for the discharge of a missle; the higher serving 
as a protection. 

Now used as an ornament. 

Bay. Any division or compartment of an arcade, roof, etc. ; thus each 
space from pillar to pillar in a cathedral is called a bay. 

A division between posts of a fence.— Webster. 

Bay Window. Any window projecting outwards from the wall of a 
building, either square or polygonal and commencing from the 
ground. If carried on projecting corbels, they are called oriel 
windows,, In the Tudor and Elizabethan styles they are often semi¬ 
circular and are then often called “ Bow Windows.” 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 460. 

Bead. A small cylindrical moulding of frequent use. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

In Architecture , a small, round moulding, commonly made on the edge 
of a piece of stuff in the Roman or Corinthian orders, and cut or 
carved in short embossments, like beads in a necklace.— Webster. 

Bearing. That portion of a beam which rests on the supports. 

Bed Mould. The congeries of mouldings which is under the projecting 
part of most cornices, of which, indeed, it is a part. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

In Architecture , the members of a cornice below the coronet, consisting 
of an ogee, a list, a large boultine, and another list under the coronet. 

— Webster. 

Belfry. That part of a building containing the bell., and more particularly 
the timber which sustains it.— Webster. 

Belt. A line of stones or bricks projecting from a wall. A string or 
blocking course.— Worcester. 

Belvedere or Lookout. A turret or lantern raised above the roof of 
an observatory for a fine view.— Kidder. 


Bench Table. The stone seat which runs around the walls of large 
churches and sometimes around the piers; generally placed in the 
porches.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

Bevel. One side of a solid body is said to be bevelled with respect to 
another when the angle between these two sides is greater or less than 
a right angle.— Kidder. 

Bin. A cell-like enclosure for storage of coal, ashes, corn, etc., etc. 

Blank or False Window. One which has the appearance of a real 
window but is merely formed in the recess of the wall.— Givilt. 

Blocking Course. A course of stones placed on the top of a cornice 
forming the crown of a wall.— Gwilt. 

Board. \ piece of sawed timber, broad and thin and less than ii inches 
thick and of undefined length. See Plank. — Worcester. 

Boarding. A term usually applied to the boards after they are nailed on 
the sides of the house. 

Bolt. A cylindrical pin or bar of metal used for a fastening by making it 
to slide in a socket, as the bolt of a door; or by driving it through 
contiguous pieces of wood, etc., as the bolts with which the planks and 
timbers of a ship are secured.— Worcester. 

Bond. A method of laying bricks or stones so as to break joints, that is, 
so that the joints may be as far apart as possible; when the brick or 
stone are placed lengthwise in one course and endwise in the next 
above, and so on alternately, it is called English bond. When the 
stretchers and headers (as the materials thus disposed are called) are 
made to alternate in the same course it is called Flemish bond. 

Timber disposed in the walls, as bond timbers, lintels, and wall plates. 

— Britton. 

Boss. A knotted ornament placed at the intersection of the ribs of a 
groined roof.— Weale. 



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GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


4i 


Boxings of a Window. The casings opposite each other on sides 
of a window into which the shutters are folded.— Gwilt. 

Braces. Inclined pieces of timber placed near and across the angles in 
the frame of a building in order to strengthen it; when they abut 
against a rafter they are usually called struts.— Brande. 

Brace Mould. Two ressaunts or ogees united like a brace in printing, 
sometimes with a small bead between them. 

Bracket. A projecting ornament carrying a cornice; those supporting 
vaulting, shafts, or cross-springers of a roof are more generally called 
corbels.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

Break. The recess or projection of any part within or beyond the general 
face of the work.— Gwilt. 

Breaking Joints. The arrangement of stones or bricks so that the joints 
do not come immediately over each other. See Bond.— Kidder. 

Breast of a Chimney. The projecting or facing portion of a chimney 
front, towards a room and which projects into it. 

The wall carried up over the front of a fireplace, whether projecting or 
not.— Gwilt. 

Bridging. Narrow strips of wood placed between parallel beams of a floor 
to prevent their nearer approach. Also called strutting or straining 
pieces. 

Bridgeboard. A notched board on which the steps of wooden stairs are 
fastened.— Craig. 

Buffet. A cabinet or cupboard for plate, glass, or china.— Gwilt. 

Bull’s-Eye. A small circular opening for the admission of light or air. 

— Gwilt. 

Builder. One who contracts for the performance of the whole of the 
different artificers’ work in a building. 


Butting Joint. A joint between two pieces of wood of which the surface 
in one is parallel to the fibres, and in the other perpendicular or 
oblique to them, like the joints which the struts and braces form with 
the truss posts.— Buchannan. 

Buttery. A storeroom for provisions. 

Buttress. Masonry projecting from the wall and intended to strengthen 
the thrust of a roof or vault.— Ibid. 

A prop; a wall or abutment built archwise serving to support another 
wall on the outside when very high or heavily loaded.— Webster. 

Bulkhead. An exterior opening or doorway to a cellar. 

Cabinet. A highly ornamental buffet or chest of drawers for the preser¬ 
vation of things of value.— Gwilt. 

Cant. When the corner of a square is cut off octagonally it is said to be 
canted. Thus a bay window with octagonal corners is called a canted 
bay.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

Cantilever. A bracket or projecting piece of wood, stone, etc., which 
supports a cornice, moulding, balcony, etc. Also cantiliver. 

Worcester. 

Cap. Applied to the capital of a column ; cornice of a door; top of a 
dado or sheathing; the hand-rail of a staircase.— Gwilt. 

Capital. The upper part of a column, pilaster, pier, etc.— Ibid. 

The uppermost part of a column, etc., serving as the head or crown and 
placed immediately over the shaft and under the entablature. 

— Webster. 

Casement. A deep hollow moulding sometimes filled with foliage and 
then called a vignette; also the frame which holds the head-lights of a 
quarrel glazed window.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

A part of a movable window sometimes within a larger, made to turn 
open on hinges. 

A hollow moulding usually one fourth or one sixth of a circle.— Webster. 






42 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Castellated. Enclosed within a building as a fountain or cistern. 

— -Johnson. 

Having turrets, battlements, etc., like a castle..— Weale. 

Cassoon or Caisson. A deep panel or coffer in a soffit or ceiling. 

— Ency. 

Cathetus. The eye of the volute is so termed because its position is 
determined in an Ionic or voluted capital by a line let down from a 
point in which the volute generates.— Ency. T~ol. II. p. 461. 

Ceiling. The covering of room which hides the joists of the floor above, 
or the rafters of the roof.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 461. 

The upper horizontal or curved surface of a room opposite the floor. 

— Webster. 

The covered surface of a piazza, porch, veranda, etc., opposite the 
floor.— Ency. 

Cenotaph. An honorary tomb; distinguished from monuments in being 
empty ; the person it is to memorialize having been buried elsewhere. 

— Kidder. 

Chamfer. When the edge or arris of any work is cut off at an angle of 
forty-five degrees in a small degree it is said to be chamfered. If to 
a large scale it is said to be a canted corner.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 462. 

To channel; to cut a furrow, as in a column; or to cut into a sloping 
form or bevel.— Webster. 

Chancel. Generally used to designate the portion of an Episcopal or 
Catholic church containing the altar and communion table.— Kidder. 

Cheeks. Those parts of wrought objects which are double or corres¬ 
pondent.— Worcester. 

Chevron. A zigzag work or ornament. A representation of two rafters 
of a house meeting at the top.— Weale. 

Chimney. A body of brick or stone erected in a building, containing a 
funnel or funnels to convey smoke and other volatile matter through 
the roof from the hearth or fireplace where fuel is burned.— Ibid. 


Choir. Part of the church where divine service is sung. In nunneries, a 
large room separated by a grate from the body of the church.— Givilt. 

Chapel. A small detached building used as a substitute for a church in a 
large parish.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 462. 

Cistern. A reservoir or receptable of water. 

A tank used in factories for holding any liquid.— Worcester. 

Clapboard. A thin narrow board for covering houses. See Weather 
Board. — Webster. 

Clear or Clere-Story. When the middle of the nave of a church rises 
above the aisles and is pierced with windows, the upper story is thus 
called ; especially applied also to factories, depots, sheds, etc.— Kidder. 

It is clear above the roof of the aisle, hence the name.— Givilt. 

Cleat. A narrow piece of wood nailed crosswise to strengthen or to 
secure some part in its place.— Worcester. 

Clustered Columns. Several slender pillars attached to each other so as 
to form one. 

In Roman architecture, to denote two or four columns which appear to 
intersect one another.— Kidder. 

Coffer. A deep panel in a ceiling. A caisson.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 462. 

Column. A tapering cylindrical mass placed vertically on a level stylo¬ 
bate, in some cases with a spreading congeries of mouldings called a 
base, and having always at its upper and smaller end a dilating mass 
called a capital. Columns are either insulated or attached; attached 
or engaged when they form part of a wall, projecting one-half or 
move, but not the whole of their substance.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 462. 

Concrete. A mass composed of broken stone, sand, and hydraulic cement 
which makes a solid stone much used for foundations; a finer variety 
is used for building-blocks.— Kidder. 

Conductor. A metallic rod erected on buildings or in ships to .conduct 
lightning to the earth or water and to protect the building from its 
effects.— Webster. 

A conduit to convey water from the roof. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


43 


Console or Consol. A bracket or truss, generally with scrolls or volutes 
at the two ends, of unequal size and contrasted but connected by a 
flowing line from the back of the upper one to the inner convolving 
face of the lower.— Ency. 

A bracket or shoulder piece or an ornament cut upon the key of an 
arch.— Webster. 

Conservatory. A building for the rearing of plants, often attached to a 
house. 

A place of instruction, as a conservatory of music, etc.— Kidder. 

Contract. A written agreement between two or more persons to execute 
a certain piece of work, etc., for a lawful consideration.— Wishsaw. 

Contractor. One who bargains or contracts for a specified sum to execute 
any work or enterprise of considerable magnitude.— Tyler. 

Contractor, Sub. One who agrees to execute the work on a portion of 
a building for the principal contractor. 

Coping. The covering of a wall, weathered so as to throw off the rain. 

— Ency. Vol. II. f>. 462. 

Corbel. A piece of stone jutting out of a wall to carry any superincum¬ 
bent weight.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 462. 

Corbel Table. A projecting cornice or parapet supported by a range of 
corbels a short distance apart, which carry a moulding, above which is 
a plain piece of projecting wall forming a parapet and covered by a 
coping. Sometimes small arches are thrown across from corbel to 
corbel to carry the projection.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 462. 

Corner Blocks. Square, moulded, or otherwise ornamented blocks 
olaced at the intersection of the top cross-piece and the uprights on a 
door frame or window. 

Corner Stone. The stone which unites the walls at the corner. 

Cornice. The projection at the top of a wall finished by a blocking 
course, common in classic architecture, etc., etc.— Ibid. 


The upper and grand division of the entablature of a column or the 
highest projection ; that which crowns an order. 

A little projection in joinery or masonry, as the cornice of a chimney. 

— Webster. 

Corona. A term applied to the deep vertical face of the projecting part 
of the cornice, between the bed mould and the covering mouldings. 

Ency. Vol. II. p. 463. 

A large flat member of a cornice, usually of considerable projection, to 
carry off the rain that falls on it, and is called by workmen, the drip. 

— Webster. 

Corridor. A long passage in a building,— Kidder. 

Course. A continued layer of brick, stone, slates, shingles, etc.— Kidder. 

Cove or Coving. The moulding called the cavetto, or the scotia invert¬ 
ed, on a large scale and not as a mere moulding in the composition 
of a cornice, is called a cove or coving. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 463. See also Webster . 

Cresting. An ornamental finish on the wall or ridge of a building. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 463. 

Crocket. An ornament running up the sides of gablets, hood moulds, 
pinnacles, spires, etc.; generally a winding stem like a creeping plant 
with flowers or leaves projecting at intervals and terminating in a 
finial.— Ency. 

Crown Belt, The uppermost member of the cornice, called also the 
corona or larmier.— Webster. 

Cupboard. A case with shelves in which earthenware, victuals, etc., are 
kept.— Worcester. 

Cupola. A spherical or spheroidal covering to a building or to any part 
of it.— Ibid. 

Cyma. A moulding in frequent use like an italicy, concave at one end, 
convex at the other; when the concave part is uppermost it is called 
“ cyma recta,” if reversed “ cyma reversa.” 



44 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Cymatium. When the crowning moulding of an entablature is of the 
cyma form it is termed a cymatium.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 463. 

Dado. A panelled wainscoting or sheathing. 

Dais. A raised floor or platform at one end of a room.— Gzvilt. 

Deafening. The filling between joists to prevent the passage of sound from 
an apartment above to that below.— Gwilt. 

Dental or Dentil. The cogged or toothed member, common in the bed 
mould of a Corinthian entablature, is said to be dentilled and each cog 
or tooth is called a dental.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 463. 

Depressed or Drop Arches. Those of less pitch than the equilateral. 

—Ibid. 

Design. The plans, elevations, sections, and whatever other drawings may 
be necessary for an edifice, to exhibit the design; the term plati 
having a restricted application to a technical portion of the design. 

—Ibid. 

Detail. As used by architects, detail means the smaller parts into which 
a composition may be divided ; it is generally applied to mouldings and 
other enrichments.— Ibid. 

Detail Drawings. Term applied to drawings on a large scale for the use 
of builders; often called “working drawings.” 

Diameters. The diameters of the lower and upper ends of the shaft of a 
column are called its inferior and superior diameter respectively; the 
the former is the greatest, the latter the least, diameter of the shaft. 

— Ibid. 

Diaper. Decorating a wall, etc., with a continuous design of flowers, 
rosettes, etc., etc., either in square or lozenges or some geometrical form 
like a tablecloth, from which the name is derived. 

Die of a Pedestal. The part included between the base and cornice. 

— G-ivilt. 

Dimensions. Length, breadth, or thickness. 


Discharging Arch. An arch over the opening of a door or window, to 
discharge or relieve the superincumbent weight from presssing on the 
freestone. — Ibid. 

Dome. A cupola or inverted cap on a building, etc. 

Ency. Vol. II. p. 463. 

A spherical roof raised over the middle of a building; a cupola. 

— Webster. 

Door. The frame of boards, or any piece of board or plank, that shuts 
the opening of a house or closes the entrance into an apartment or 
any enclosure and usually turns on hinges.— Webster. 

Door Frame. The surrounding case into and out of which the door shuts 
and opens; the two uprights are called jambs, the top cross-piece 
connecting the two, a head ; they are fixed together by mortises and 
‘tenons, and wrought, rebated, and beaded.— Kidder. 

Dormer Window. A window of a room in a roof which consequently 
projects from it with a valley or gutter on each side.— Ibid. 

Dovetail. The method of joining two pieces of wood by letting one into 
the other in the form of the expanded tail of a dove.—Gwitt. 

Dowel. A pin of wood used in joining two pieces of timber, the pin in 
one piece being driven into a corresponding hole in the other. 

— Britton. 

Drawer. A box in a bureau, table, case, etc. for the reception of clothes, 
so made to draw out at pleasure.— Locke. 

Drawings. Delineations on paper of parts or the whole of a building by 
pencil, crayon, etc.— Fairholt. 

Dresser. A table placed against a wall in a kitchen, usually with drawers 
and having shelves over it.— Gwilt. 

Drip Stone. The moulding or cornice which acts as a canopy to doors 
and windows. 




GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


45 


Hoi'izontal running mouldings are sometimes called tablets and some¬ 
times drip stones.— Ibid. 

Eaves. The lower edges of a shingle or slate roof which projects beyond 
the walls to throw the water off.— Guilt. 

Echinus. A moulding of eccentric curve, generally cut (when it is 
curved) into the form of eggs and anchors alternating, whence the 
moulding is called by the name of the more conspicuous. It is the 
same as Ovols. — Ency. Vol. II. p. 464. 

Edifice. Synonomous with fabric, erection, etc., but generally used to 
denote structures distinguished for grandeur, dignity, and importance. 

— Guilt. 

Elevation. The front fa9ade, as the French term it, of a structure; a 
geometrical drawing of the external upright parts of a building.— Ibid. 

An orthographic draught of the face or principal side of a building. 

— Francis. 

An orthographic draught or sketch is one drawn according to the eleva¬ 
tion and actual measurement without regard to the rules of perspective. 

Mortii7ier. 

Embossing. The raising or forming in rilievo any form or figure. 

Embrasure. The opening in a battlement between the two raised solid 
portions or merlons; sometimes called a crenelle. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 464. 

Engaged Columns. Those attached to walls ; they never stand less than 
half their diameter out of the wall. 

Enrichment. Ornament, carving, decoration, embellishment. 

Entablature. The superimposed horizontal mass in a columnar ordinance 
which rests upon the tablet or abacus of a column. It is convention¬ 
ally composed of three parts: architrave, frieze, and cornice.— Ibid. 

Entresol. A low story between two higher ones.— Guilt. 


Entry. A hall without stairs or vestibule.— Kidder. 

Epi. The French term fora light finish, generally of metal but some¬ 
times of terra-cotta, forming the termination of a pointed roof or 
spire.— Ibid. 

Epistyle or Epistylum. See Architrave. 

Escapel. An equivalent for the term apophyge.— Ibid. 

Escutcheon. The ornamental plates from the centre of which door rings, 
knockers, etc., are suspended, or which protect the wood of the key¬ 
hole from the wear of the key.— Ibid. 

Excavation. The digging out the ground for the foundations of a build¬ 
ing.— Guilt. 

Eye of a Dome, The aperture at its summit.— Kidder. 

Facade. See Elevation. The face or front of any principal elevation 
of a building.— Britton. 

False Window, See Blank Window. 

Fascia. The narrow vertical bands or broad fillets into which the archi¬ 
traves of Corinthian and Ionic entablatures are divided are called 
fasciae, and the term is generally applied to any similar member in 
architecture.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 464. 

Fence. A construction of walls, rails, or palings enclosing land. 

Festoon. An ornament of carved work representing a wreath or garland 
of flowers or leaves, or both, interwoven with each other; it is thickest 
in the middle and smallest at the ends, where it is tied, a part often 
hanging down below the knot. 

Fillet. A narrow vertical band or listel, of frequent use in congeries of 
mouldings to separate and combine them, and also to give breadth 
and firmness to the upper edge or crowning cyma or cavetto, as in the 
external cornice. The narrow slips or breadth between the flutes of 
Corinthian and Ionic columns are called fillets, etc.— Ibid. 



4 6 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Finial. The flower or bunch of flowers with which a spire, pinnacle, 
gablet, canopy, etc., generally terminates, etc., etc.— Ibid. 

The top or finishing, often of ironwork, of a pinnacle or gable. Some¬ 
times also the entire pinnacle.— Braude. 

Finish. Interior Finish is a term used in some localities to denote the 
doors, door frames and window frames, base boards, etc., or the 
finishing of a room. 

Exterior Finish : the exterior door and window frames or casings, corner 
boards, cornices, water-tables, bands, etc., etc. 

Flashing. Pieces of lead, tin, copper, etc., let into the joints of a wall 
so as to lap over gutters, and also worked around dormers, chimneys, 
piazza roofs, to prevent leaking.— Kidder. 

Flight. A run or series of steps or stairs from one landing to another. 

Float. A long rule with a straight edge used by masons to affix plaster 
or mortar to the walls.— Craig. 

Floor or Flooring. The pavement or lower horizontal surface of a 
room, constructed of earth, brick, stone, wood, etc. Carpenters in¬ 
clude in the term the timbers on which the floor boards rest. It is 
also applied to the stories of a building, as “ basement floor,” “ground 
floor,” “ first floor,” etc. Where there is no sunk story the ground 
floor becomes the basement, the next the principal floor containing the 
principal rooms.— Gu’i/t. 

Floriated. Having floral ornaments, as in Gothic pillars. 

Flue. The space or passage in a chimney through which the smoke 
ascends; each passage is called a flue, whiie all together make the 
chimney.— Kidder. 

Flute. A concave channel; columns whose shafts are channelled are 
said to be fluted, and the flutes are collectively called flutings.— Ibid. 

Flush. Signifies a continuity of surface in two bodies joined together; 
thus the stiles and rails of a door are “ flush,” or one does not project 
or recede beyond another. 


Folding Doors. Such as are made to meet each other from the opposite 
jambs to which they are hung, and when rebated together their edges 
meet folding over one another with a bead at the joint.— Guilt. 

Foliage. An ornamental distribution of leaves on the various parts of a 
building.— Kidder. 

Font. A stone or metal vessel for containing the water of baptism in the 
Christian church.— Gwilt. 

Frame. The woodwork or casing around doors, windows, etc. ; also 
the timber skeleton of the house before boardingf. 

French Roof. See Mansard Roof. 

French Windows. Those turning on two vertical edges attached to the 
jambs and when shut lap together like folding doors. 

Fret or Frette or Jig-Saw Work. An ornament of small fillets inter¬ 
secting each other at right angles.— Kidder. 

An angular ornament of two small fillets interlaced.— Weale. 

Frieze. That portion of an entablature between the cornice above and 
the architrave below.— Ibid. 

Frieze Panel. The upper panel of a six-panelled door. 

Frieze Rail. The upper rail but one of a six-panelled door. 

Furring. Strips of wood nailed to joists, rafters, etc., to bring them to 
an even surface for lathing.— Francis. 

Gable. When a roof is not hipped or returned on itself at the ends, its 
ends are stopped by carrying up the walls under them in the triangular 
form of the roof itself. This is called the gable, or in the case of the 
ornamental gable, the pediment, etc etc.— Ibid. 

The triangular end of a house or other building from the cornice or 
eaves to the top. In America it is usually called the gable end. 

— Webster. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


47 


Gable Window. A term sometimes applied to the large window under 
a gable, but more properly to the window in the gable itself. 

Ency. Vol. II. p. 465. 

Gallery. Any long passage looking down into another part of a building 
or into the court outside. 

A stage erected to carry an organ or to receive spectators was latterly 
called a gallery though originally a loft. 

In later times the name was given to any very long rooms, paiticularly 
those for purposes of state, or for the exhibition of paintings. 

— Ency. Vol. II. p. 465. 

Gambrel Roof. A roof with two pitches like a mansard roof likened in 
shape to the gambrel or hind leg of a horse. 

Gargoyle or Gurgoyle. The carved termination to a spout which 
conveyed away the water from gutters, supposed to be called so from 
the gurgling noise made by the water passing through it. See Ant^e 
Fix^e. 

Gargoyles are mostly grotesque figures.— Ency. Vol. II. p. 465. 

A projecting water-spout often grotesquely carved.— Francis. 

Garret. The upper part of a house immediately under the roof. 

Gate. A wooden or metal frame on hinges giving entrance through a 
fence, hedge, etc., to enclosed grounds. 

Girder. The principal beam or timber in a floor.— Francis. 

Girth. The circumferenc of a body or distance around it.— B. Johnson. 

Gooseneck. A curved lead or metal pipe connecting a conductor with 
the gutter. 

Grain. In wood or stone, is the direction in which either may be split 
transversely.— Gwilt. 

Grating. Frame or lattice-work or iron for protecting windows.— Mardie. 


Griffin or Griffon. A fabulous animal of antiquity; usually represented 
with the body and feet of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, 
signifying the union of strength and agility. 

These figures were frequently used as ornaments.— Fairholt. 

Grille. The ironwork forming the enclosure screen to a chapel, or the 
protecting railing to a tomb or shrine. They are of ornamental 
wrought iron and put together by rivets or clips.— Ibid. 

An iron grate or railing. A grating. — Clarke. 

Groin. The line formed by the intersection of tw'o arches which cross 
each other at anv angle.— Gwilt. 

Groined Ceiling. One formed by three or more curved surfaces so that 
every two may form a groin, all the groins terminating at one 
extremity in a common point.— Gwilt. 

Groove. A sunken retangular channel employed to connect two pieces of 
wood, the piece not grooved having on its edge a projection or tongue 
which closely fits into the groove of the other. 

Grounds. Narrow pieces of wood flush with the plastering to which 
bases, surbases, mouldings, etc. are attached. 

Ground Plan. The plan of the part of the house on a level or nearly so 
with the surface of the ground; not always the lowest floor, the 
basement being below it. 

Gutter. A channel for catching and carrying off the water w-hich collects 
on the roof at the eaves of a house.— Webster. 

Guilloche. An ornament formed by two or more intertwining bands. 

— Weale. 

Gutta or Guttae. Ornaments resembling drops in the architrave of the 
Doric order below the triglyphs, and on the under face of the mutules 
in the Doric corona.— Weale. 

Half-Round. A semi-circular moulding which may be a bead or torus. 



4 8 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Hand-rail. A rail used upon balusters to assist in ascending or descend¬ 
ing stairs and to prevent falling into the well hole. 

Hanging Style. Hanging style of a door is that to which the hinges are 
fixed. 

Header. A brick or stone with its short face in front. Sec Bond. 

— Maxin. 

Headway of Stairs. The clear distance measured perpendicular from 
the stairs to the ceiling above. 

Hearth. The stone, marble, or brick under the fireplace and level with 
the floor. 

Height. Space measured upwards. Altitude.— Chaucer. 

Herma. A bust, usually of the god Hermes or Mercury affixed to a 
quadrangular stone pillar, set up to mark the boundaries of lands; or 
as an ornament about the house or garden. 

Herring-Bone Work. Brick or stone laid diagonally, each length re¬ 
ceiving the end of the adjoining piece.— Gwilt. 

Hip. The external angle formed by the meeting of the sloping ends with 
the sloping side of a roof.— Weale. 

Hip Knob. The finial on the top of a roof or between the barge boards 
of a gable.-— Ency. Vol. II. p. 466 . 

Hip Moulding. The moulding on the rafter that forms the hip of the 
roof. — Ogilvie. 

Hip Roof. A roof which rises by equally inclined planes from all four 
sides of the building. 

Hook Strips. Narrow strips of wood fastened to closet walls, etc., upon 
which are placed hooks for clothing, etc. 

Hood Mould. The upper and projecting moulding of the arch over a 
Gothic window. Also called “ drip moulding,” “label moulding,” 
“ weather moulding.” See Label.— Weale. 


Inlaying. Inserting bits of ivory, metal or choice woods, in varied designs, 
into a groundwork of some other material for ornamentation.— Kidder. 

Insulated. Detached from another building; a church is insulated when 
not contiguous to anv other building; a column is insulated when free 
from the wall. 

Insurance. A contract whereby, for a stipulated sum, one party under¬ 
takes to indemnify another against certain risks, as fire, etc.— Weale. 

Intaglio. A carving in which the figure is sunk below the general surface. 

Interlaced Arches. Where one passes over two openings and they con¬ 
sequently cut or intersect each other. 

Interlineations. Additional words inserted between written or printed 
lines.— Worcester. 

Jack. Denoting those timbers which are shorter than others in the same 
row, as Jack Rafters, Jack Ribs, etc.— Francis. 

Jack Arch. One whose thickness is only one brick. 

Jamb. The side post or lining of a doorway or other aperture ; the jambs 
of a window outside the frame are called reveals.— Ibid. 

Joint. The place where two pieces of timber or other material are joined 
together.— Worcester. 

Joists. Timbers such as are framed into the girders in a floor or to which 
the boards or bands and laths for ceilings are nailed.— Weale. 

Key. An instrument for driving back the bolt of a lock; the key of a 
floor is the board last laid down.— Gwilt. 

Key Stone. The highest or central stone of an arch.— Gwilt. 

The stone placed in the centre of the top of an arch.— Kidder. 

Knob. A protuberance ; a boss; the handle of a door or drawer in the 
shape of a ball.— Worcester. 



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GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


49 


Knob Knot. The bunches of flowers carved on a corbel or on a boss. 

— Kidder. 

A place in a piece of wood caused by the protuberance of a bough and a 
consequent transverse direction of the fibres.— Worcester. 

Label. The outer moulding of a doorway, window, etc., protecting the 
lintel and descending a short distance on each side. Called also a 
hood mould.— Britton. 

Labyrinth Fret. A fret with many turnings, like a labyrinth.— Kidder. 

Landing. The platform at the head or foot of a flight of stairs. A plat¬ 
form between flights of stairs.— Gwilt. 

Lantern. A small turret or cupola with apertures raised on a roof for 
giving light to the interior. 

A square cage placed over the ridge of a corridor or gallery between two 
rows of shops to light them.— Britton. 

Lap. The part of one body which lies on and partially covers another. 

— Gwilt. 

Lath. A thin strip of wood nailed to rafters or furring to support tiles, 
slate, or plaster; there are two sorts, double and single, the former 
being about three-eighths of an inch thick, the latter barely a quarter 
of an inch. 

Latch. The catch of a door moved by a string or a handle.— Smart. 

Lattice-Work. Work consisting of slats, rods, or bars crossing each 
other and forming open spaces like network.— Derham. 

A window, blind, or screen formed of strips or rods crossing each other 
and forming open spaces like network. 

Laundry. An apartment fitted up for the purpose of mangling, drying, 
and ironing clothing.— Gwilt. 

Lavatory. A small apartment fitted up with washstand and other ap- 
pliances for the bathing of hands, face, etc. 


Lean-to. A small building or addition whose rafters pitch toward or lean 
against another building or wall.— Kidder. 

Ledge. That upon which anything is or may be laid, as a shelf or any¬ 
thing projecting in the manner of a shelf. 

Ledging of a Door. The narrow surface wrought on the jamb and 
soffit, parallel to the wall, to stop the door so that when it is shut the 
ledges coincide with the surface of the door; a ledge, therefore, is one 
of the sides of a rebate. 

Ledgers. The horizontal pieces, or boards, parallel to the walls and 
fastened to the upright poles or timbers of scaffolding or staging; those 
which rest on the ledgers are called put-logs and on these the boards are 
laid.— Kidder. 

Length. The measure or extent of anything from end to end ; opposed 
to breadth or width.— Worcester. 

Lid. A hinged cover to an opening.— Worcester. 

Lien. A right of retaining in one’s possession another’s property until 
the satisfaction of some demand against the owner. 

—Lord Mansfield. 

Lift. A term often applied to elevators, dumb-waiters, etc. 

Light. A division or space in a sash for a single pane of glass, also a 
pane of glass.— Kidder. 

Light Shaft. An opening in a building, often in the centre, and extend¬ 
ing from the cellar to the roof, where it terminates in a skylight for 
the passage of light to interior rooms or corridors. 

Lintel. A horizontal piece of timber or stone over a door, window, or 
other opening to support the weight of the superincumbent mass. 

— Britton. 



50 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Lobby. A small bailor waiting-room, or the entrance into a piincipal 
apartment, where there is considerable space between it and a portico 
or vestibule.— Gwilt. 

Lock. An instrument consisting of springs and bolts for fastening doors, 
drawers, etc. Those placed on outer doors are called stock locks; 
those in chamber doors, spring locks, and such as are hidden in the 
thickness of the door are called mortise locks.— Gwilt. 

• 

Lock-Rail or Stile. The rail or stile of a door to which the lock is at¬ 
tached. 

Lodge. A cottage placed at the gate of a park leading to a mansion. 

— Kidder. 

Loft. The highest floor or room in a building. The room immediately 
under the roof.— Worcester. 

Loggia. An outside gallery or portico above the ground and contained 
within the building.— Gwilt. 

Loop. A small narrow slit or window. — Gwilt. 

Lotus. A water-lily of Egypt and India, and held sacred as the emblem 
of creation. Much used in the architectural ornaments of the early 
nations, especially in the capitals of Egyptian columns.— Gwilt. 

Louver. A vertical window frequently in the peaks of gables and tops of 
towers and having horizontal slats which permit ventilation and exclude 
rain.— Kidder. 

An opening in the roof of ancient halls and kitchens in the form of a 
turret or lantern for the escape of smoke from the fire which usually 
burnt in the centre of the floor.— Fairholt. 

A window in church-steeples left open or crossed by bars so to exclude 
rain, but admit air and allow the passage of sound from the bells. 

— Britton. 


Louver Board. One of the wooden bars which cross louver windows. 

Luthern. Same as dormer window. See Dormer Window. 

Living Panels. Those in which the grain of the wood lies in a horizontal 
direction. 

Mansard Roof. A curved roof invented by Francis Mansard, a distin¬ 
guished French architect;-sometimes called gambrel roof. See Gam¬ 
brel Roof.— Kidder. 

Mansion. A residence of considerable size and pretensions. The word 
is supposed to be derived from “ mansiones ” or stationary camps of the 
Roman soldiers.— Gwilt. 

Mantle or Mantel. Ornamental woodwork over a fireplace in front of 
the chimney, especially a shelf.— Kidder. 

Called also mantel-piece, mantel-shelf, or mantel-tree. 

Marquetry. Inlaid work of fine pieces of wood of different colors; also 
of shells, ivory, etc.— Kidder. 

Different pieces of various colored wood glued onto a ground, used by 
the early Italian builders in cabinet-work. 

In the present'day chiefly confined to floors, in which the pieces of wood 
are placed in regular geometrical forms and are rarely of more than 
three or four species.— Gwilt. 

Masonry. The art of combining brick and stone for the formation of 
the walls and other parts of buildings.— Gwilt. 

A construction of brick or stone.— Worner. 

Mastic. A kind of cement for plastering walls. — Brande. 

A resin of the mastic tree cultivated in the Levant. 

Matched and Beaded. Term applied to boards which are joined 
together by grooving and tonguing. 

Materials. All substances used, or entering into, the construction of a 
building. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


5i 


Mausoleum. A magnificent tomb or sumptuous sepulchral monument. 

So called from a very celebrated one erected to the memory of 
Mausolus, an ancient king about 353 B. C. ; from its extraordinary 
magnificence it was considered the seventh wonder of the world. 

— Kidder. 

Medallion. A circular tablet on which are embossed figures, busts, etc. 

— Givilt. 

A piece of metal, the shape of a coin, with figures and devices struck, in 
memory of some person or event.— Webster. 

Meeting-Rails. The top cross-bar of the lower sash of a window and 
the lower cross-bar of the top sash. 

IVIembers. The different parts of a building; the different parts of an 
entablature; the different mouldings of a cornice. 

Metatome. The space between two dentals.— Givilt. 

Metopes. See Triglyph. 

Mezzanine. A story of small height introduced between two higher ones. 

— Brande. 

A low window of less height than breadth. 

Minaret. A slender lofty turret rising by different stories, surrounded by 
one or more projecting balconies; common in Mohammedan countries, 
being used by the priests for summoning (from the balconies) the people 
to prayer at stated periods of the day. 

Mitre or Miter. A junction of two pieces of wood or metal at an angle 
by a diagonal joint; commonly applied when the two pieces meet at 
a right angle, in which case the mitre line bisecting the angle forms an 
angle of forty-five degrees with both pieces.— Brande. 

Modillion. The enriched horizontal bracket generally found under the 
'cornice of the Corinthian entablature. 

Mopboard. See Base of a Room and Skirting Board. 


Mortice or Mortise. A recessed cutting within the body of a piece of 
timber to receive a projecting piece or tongue, called a tenon, left* on 
the end of another piece of timber, in order to fit the two together at a 
given angle; the sides of the mortice are generally four planes at right 
angles to one another, and to the surface in which the excavation is 
made.-— Gwilt. 

A hole cut into a piece of wood, into which a tenon or correspondent 
portion of the wood of another piece is inserted.— Bay. 

Mosaic. Pictorial representations or ornaments made of small pieces of 
stone, enamel, marble, etc., in various colors. In Roman houses the 
floors are often entirely of mosaic. 

A mode of representing objects by the inlaying of small cubes of glass, 
stone, marble, shells, etc. The term is distinguished from Marquetry, 
by being applied only to works of stone, metal, glass, etc.— Givilt. 

Mouldings. Any work wrought into long regular channels or piojections 
forming curves, rounds, hollows, etc., is said to be moulded and each 
separate member is called a moulding. 

Mullion or Munnion. The perpendicular pieces of stone, sometimes like 
columns, sometimes like slender piers, which divide the bays or lights 
of windows, or screenwork from each other; often they are simply 
chamfered; again they have a very flat hollow on each side. In large 
buildings there is often a single small column with a capital. As 
tracery grew richer, the windows were divided by a larger order of 
mullions, between which came a lesser set which ran into each other. 
The term is applied also to wood or iron divisions.— Kidder. 

Mullioned Windows. See Mullion. 

Munting or Muntin. The central vertical piece which divides the panels 
of a door, or panes of glass in a window. 

Mural. Relating to a wall; thus a monumental tablet affixed to the wall 
is called a mural monument; an arch inserted into, or attached to a 
wall, is called a mural arch, etc. 




52 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Mutule. The rectangular impending block under the corona of the Doric 
cornice, from which gutters or drops depend. It is equivalent to 
modillion but the latter term is applied more particularly to enriched 
blocks or brackets of Ionic and Corinthian entablatures.— Kidder. 

Nave. The central part between the arches of a church. It is so called 
from its fancied resemblance to a ship.— Kidder. 

The body of the church, where the people are seated, reaching from the 
rail or partition of the choir to the principal entrance. 

Newel Post. The post, plain or ornamental, placed at the hist or lowest 
step of a flight of stairs to receive or start the hand-rail from.— Kidder. 

Niche. A recess sunk in the wall for the reception of a statue ; sometimes 
terminated by a simple label, but more commonly by a canopy, and 
with a bracket or corbel for the figure, in which case they are often 
called tabernacles. 

Nosings. The rounded and projecting edges of the treads of a stair or 
the edge of a landing.— Kidder. 

Obelisk. Lofty pillars of stone of a rectangular shape, diminishing 
towards the top, and generally ornamental with inscriptions and hiero¬ 
glyphics among the ancient Egyptians.— Kidder. • - -> 

Oblong. Any body which is longer than it is wide is often called an oblong. 

— Davies. 

Offices. The apartments in which the domestics discharge the several 
duties attached to the service of a house, as kitchens, pantries, etc. 

Offsets. When the face of a wall is not continuous but sets in by hori¬ 
zontal jogs; as the wall grows higher and thinner the jogs are called 
offsets.— Kidder. 

Ogee. Name applied to a moulding, partly hollow and partly round, and 
derived, no doubt, from its resemblance to an O, placed over a G. 


Oratory. A small apartment in a house furnished with a small altar, 
crucifix, etc., for private devotion. 

Oriel Windows. Gothic; a projecting angular window divided by mull- 
ions and transoms into different bays and compartments.— Kidder. 

Ovolo. Same as Echinus. 

Order of Architecture. An assembly of parts, consisting of a base, 
shaft, capital, architrave, frieze, and cornice, whose several services 
requiring some distinction in strength, have been contrived in five 
several species: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. 
Each of these has its ornaments as well as its general fabric propor¬ 
tioned to its strength and use. 

Pace. A part of a floor raised above the l'est. A dais.— Ogilvie. 

Pale. A fence picket, sharpened at the upper end.— Kidder. 

Panel. Properly a piece of w r ood framed within four other pieces, as in 
the stiles and rails of a door, but o'ften applied to the square frame 
and the sinking itself; also the ranges of sunken compartments in 
wainscoting, cornices, corbel-tables, groined vaults, ceilings, etc. 

— Kidder. 

Pantry. A closet, generally off the kitchen, for the storage of kitchen 
utensils, food, flour, etc. 

Parapet. A low wall of any material, for protection, on the sides of 
bridges, quays, or high buildings.— Gwilt. 

A low wall along the edge of a roof or around a terrace walk to preven 
people from falling over; they are either plain, perforated, embattled, 
or panelled.— Kidder. 

Parting Beads. The bead or narrow strip of wood inserted in the centre 
of the pulley stile of a sash window to keep the two sash in place 
when raised or lowered.— Gwilt. 

Partition. A wall of any material separating one room from another. 

— Gwilt. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


53 


Party Walls. Partitions of stone or brick between buildings of two ad¬ 
joining properties, and to prevent the spreading of fire.— Kidder. 

Passage. A part of a building which gives access to the apartments. 

— Brande. 

Pavilion. A turret or small insulated building and comprised under one 
roof; also the projecting part in front of a building which marks the 
centre and which sometimes flanks a corner which is termed an angu¬ 
lar pavilion.— Kidder. 

Pedestal. The square support of a column, statue, etc. ; the base or 
lower part of an order of columns. It consists of a plinth for a base, 
the die and a talon crowned for the cornice. When the height and 
width are' equal it is a square pedestal; one which supports two col¬ 
umns, a double pedestal; and if a row of columns, a continued ped¬ 
estal.— Kidder. 

Pediment. A low triangular crowning in front of a building, and over 
windows and doors; sometimes in the form of a segment; also the 
gable ends of classic buildings, where the horizontal cornice is carried 
across the front, forming a triangle with the end of the roof; the 
space enclosed in the triangle is called the tympanum.— Kidder. 

The triangular crowning part of a portico which terminates vertically 
the sloping parts of a roof; also called a gable. 

Pendent. A moulded or foliated boss, hanging down from the intersec¬ 
tion of groins, especially in fan tracery, or at the end of hammer 
beams, long corbels under wall pieces; large masses dependent from 
enriched ceilings in the later work of the pointed style.— Kidder. 

Pent Roof. A roof with a slope on one side only.— Kidder. 

Peristyle. A range of columns surrounding an edifice; any range of 
columns not forming a portico; a building surrounded on the inside 
by a row of columns.— Britton. Francis. 


Pew. Fixed seats in a church composed of wood framing with ornamen¬ 
tal ends ; came into use in the reign of Henry VI. and were rented and 
well paid for before the Reformation.— Kidder. 

Piazza. A covered walk supported on one side by pillars or arches and 
attached to the house on the other.— Bratide. 

Picket. A narrow board, often pointed, used in making fences.— Kidder. 

Pier. The solid part of a wall between windows or other openings or 
arches; applied also to masses of stone or brick which are insulated 
to form supports for gates, arches, posts, girders, bridges, etc. 

— Kidder. 

Pilaster. Flat square columns attached to a wall behind a column, or 
along the side of a building and projecting from the wall about one- 
fourth or one-sixth part of their breadth.— Kidder. 

Pillar. A word generally used to express the round or polygonal‘piers or 
those surrounded by clustered columns which carry the main arch of 
a building.— Kidder. 

A column of irregular form, always disengaged and always deviating 
from the proportions of the orders, and hence the distinction between 
a pillar and a column.— Gwilt. 

Pinnacle. A summit or apex ; the ornament in Gothic architecture placed 
on top of a buttress or at the termination to the angle of the gable to 
a building, usually slender and tapering to a point.— Gwilt. 

Plan. A drawing on paper exhibiting a horizontal section of a building, 
and in accordance with which a building is constructed.— Weale. 

Plank. A name given to all timber except fir and which is less than four 
inches thick and thicker than one and one-half inches.— Gwilt. 

A broad piece of timber thicker than a boaid. usually from one and one- 
half to four inches thick.— Worcester. 

Plate. A piece of timber placed horizontally in a wall to receive the ends 
of girders, rafters, etc.— Brande. 



54 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Plinth. The square block at the base of a column or pedestal; in a wall 
the term plinth is applied to the projecting base or water-table, gen¬ 
erally at the level of the first floor.— Kidder. 

Plumb. Perpendicular; standing according to a plumb-line, as the post 
of a hall or wall is plumb.— Kidder. 

Pointing. Filling the joints or crevices of a stone wall or plastered wall 
with mortar or cement by means of a trowel. 

Porch. A covered erection forming a shelter to the entrance door of a 
large building.— Kidder. 

Port Cochere. A covered porch projecting from a piazza and over the 
front steps of. a house for carriages to drive under that passengers may 
be protected from the weather when they alight. 

Portico. The open space before the door or other entrance to a building 
fronted with columns.— Kidder. 

A colonnade or range of columns when in front of a building is called a 
portico.— Gwilt. 

Posts. Pieces of timber set upright as a support, as the corner posts of a 
building. 

Prop. A perpendicular support. 

Proposals. Propositions or offers to consummate any work in the build¬ 
ing line for a specified sum. 

Pulley Stiles. The narrow strips of hard pine in a window frame upon 
which the sash slide when raised or lowered, and which support the 
pulley wheels for the window cords and weights. 

Quarry. Properly Quarrel. A square or lozenge-shaped jriece of glass 
used in lead casements.— Gwilt. 

The glazier’s diamond. 


Quatre-Foil. Any panel or perforation in the form of a four-leafed 
flower; sometimes used alone, sometimes used in circles and over the 
aisle windows, but more often in square panels.— Kidder. 

Rafter. The joist to which the roof boarding is nailed and extending 
from plate to ridge. Principal rafters are the upper timbers in a truss 
having the same inclination as the common rafters. 

Rail. A piece of timber extending from one post to another as in fences, 
balustrades, staircases, etc. ; in framing and panelling, the horizontal 
pieces are called rails, and the perpendicular “ Stiles,” as in doors, 
dados, etc.— Kidder. 

Random Work. A term used by stone masons for stones fitted together 
without any attempt at laying them in regular courses.— K idder. 

Rebate or Rabbet. A groove or channel cut in the edge of a board, 
longitudinally, in order to receive by lapping the edge of another, so as 
to unite the two and preserve a level surface. The groove in the door¬ 
frame into which the door shuts. 

Recess. A cavity left in the wall to receive a sideboard, bed, etc., or to 
add to the floor room, or as an ornament, as when formed into a niche. 

— Gwilt. 

Renaissance. (A new birth.) A name given to the revival of Roman 
architecture which sprang into existence early in the fifteenth century 
and reached its zenith at the close of the century.— Kidder. 

Return. The continuation of a moulding, projection, etc., in an opposite 
direction.— Kidder. 

Reveal or Revel. The two vertical sides of an aperture between the 
front or face of the wall and the window or door frame. See Jamb. 

— Kidder. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


55 


Rib. A curved timber for supporting the plaster of a vaulted roof. A 
moulding on the interior of a vaulted roof or forming tracery in a wall 
or in windows.— Weale. 

Ridge or Ridge-Pole. The highest part of a roof. The piece of timber 
against which the upper end# of the rafters pitch.— Gwilt. 

Riser. The upright board between the treads of a flight of stairs or steps. 

Roof. The covering of a building. 

Rosette or Rose. An ornament resembling a rose; the centre of the 
face of the abacus in the Corinthian capital is decorated with an 
ornament called a rose. 

Rose Window. A large circular window with radiating tracery ; called 
also a wheel window.— Kidder. 

A circular window with a series of mullions diverging from the centre 
forming divisions, bearing a general resemblance to the leaves of a 
rose. 

Rotunda. A building which is round within and without. A circular 
room under a dome in large buildings, as the Rotunda at the Capitol. 

— Kidder. 

Rough Cast. The external plastering in which small sharp stones are 
mixed and which when wet is thrown or cast from a trowel against the 
wall on which it forms a coating.— Kidder. 

Saddlebars. Narrow iron horizontal bars passing from mullion to 
mullion and often through the whole window from side to side to form 
stays to which the leadwork of the window is attached. When the 
bay of the window is wide, the lead lights are further strengthened by 
upright bars passing through eyes forged on the saddlebars and called 
stanchions.— Kidder. 

Sash. The framework which holds the glass in a window.— Kidder. 


Scaffold or Scaffolding. A temporary structure of timbers, planks, 
boards, etc., raised against a building for the support of the workmen. 

— Givilt. 

An assemblage of planks and boards sustained by pieces called put-logs 
placed on others called ledgers which are made fast to uprights called 
standards by which workmen are supported whilst erecting buildings. 

— Gwilt. 

Scagliola. An imitation of colored marbles in plaster-work made by a 
combination of gypsum, glue, isinglass and coloring matter and 
finished with a high gloss or polish. Invented in 1600.— Kidder. 

Scotia. A concave moulding commonly used in bases which project a deep 
shadow on itself; it is like a reversed ovolo or what the mould of an 
ovolo would permit. 

Scratch Coat. The first coat of plaster which is scratched to form a 
bond for the second coat.— Kidder. 

Screen. A partition of wood, stone, or metal in a church to shut out an 
aisle from the choir; a private chapel from a transept, the nave from the 
choir, etc., etc. In their decoration ancient architects have about 
exhausted fancy, ingenuity, and taste.— Gwilt. 

Scroll. A spiral ornament; also the volutes of the Ionic and Corinthian 
capital.— Gwilt. 

Section. A drawing showing the internal heights of the internal parts of 
a building. It supposes a building cut through entirely, so as to show 
the walls, the heights of internal doors, and the heights of stories, 
thickness of floors, etc. 

Set-Off. The horizontal line where a wall is reduced in thickness and the 
part of the thickest portion projects beyond the thinner, when as in 
parapets the upper part projects beyond the lower, the brake is hidden 
by a corbel-table.— Gwilt. 



56 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Shaft. In classic architecture, the part of a column between the necking 
and apophyge at the top of the base; also applied to slender columns 
either standing alone or in connection with pillars, buttresses, etc. 

Shake. A fissue or split in timber caused by its being dried too suddenly 
or exposed to too great heat. Timber naturally full of clefts or splits 
is said to be shaky.— Gwilt. 

Sheathing. Matched and beaded boards nailed to the walls as a lining or 
to form partitions, etc. 

Shed. A very small building, generally attached to the house, and used 
for the storage of firewood, etc. 

Shelf. A board fixed against a wall, the upper side being horizontal, for 
receiving whatever may be placed upon it. It is usually supported by 
brackets or uprights at the ends called ‘ k standards.”— Gwilt. 

Shingle. An oblong piece of wood, thinner at one end than the other, 
u>ed instead of slates for covering roofs; usually from eight to twelve 
inches long, and four inches broad.— Gwilt. 

Shoe. A kind of wooden trough or three-sided box at the bottom of a 
conductor to carry the water away from the house. 

Shore. A support placed obliquely against anything to hold it up for a 
short time. 

Shutters. Wooden or metallic hinged coverings for window's or 
doors, etc. 

Sill. The timber on which the external walls of a wooden building rest. 

— Britton. 

The timber at the bottom of doors or windows.— Kidder. 

Skirting Boards. Narrow boards placed edgewise around the room be¬ 
tween the floor and the plastering. Also called “ base ” or base¬ 
boards, mopboards, etc.— Brande. 


Skylight. A glazed frame or window' in a roof to afford air and light to 
passages or rooms below'.— Gwilt. 

Skyline. The highest part of a building seen from any point on the 
ground. 

Sleeper. A piece of timber laid on the ground to receive floor joists. 

— Kidder. 

Snow Guard. A low iron or wooden railing placed near the lower edge 
of the slates or shingles of a roof to prevent the fall of snow or ice 
on the walk beneath. 

Soffit. Any timber ceiling formed of cross-beams, the square panels of 
which are enriched with sculpture or gilding or painting. A ceiling; 
the low r er surface of a vault or arch; the under horizontal face of an 
architrave between columns; the under horizontal face of the corona. 

Span. The extent or spread of an arch between its piers or abutments. 

Spandrel. A space between the outer mouldings of two arches, and a 
horizontal line or string course above them ; a space betw'een the outer 
mouldings of two arches and the line of another arch rising above and 
enclosing the two.— Britton. 

Specifications. A written instrument containing an exact and minute 
description of the materials and workmanship to be employed in the 
erection of a building. 

Spire. A sharply pointed pinnacle or pyramid, generally octagonal and 
forming a finish to the top of a church-tower.— Kidder. 

A loft attached to a church.— Gwilt. 

Splay. A sloping or slanted surface; a slanting expansion as of a win¬ 
dow.— Wecile. 

Spout. A pipe or conductor through which water passes off from a 
house. 



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GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


57 


Springer. The point where a vertical support terminates and the curve of 
an arch begins. 

The first stone of an arch above the impost. The rib of a groined 
roof.— Britton. Francis. 

Staff Bead. See Angle Bead. 

Stage or Staging. See Scaffold. 

Stairs or Staircase. Stones or other material forming steps ranged one 
above and beyond the other by which a person may ascend from one 
story of a house to the other. When they are enclosed it is called a 
staircase.— Gwilt. 

Stall. A compartment in a stable wherein a horse or other animal is fed, 
sleeps, etc. 

The elevated seats in the choir or chancel of a church, appropriated to 
ecclesiastics; also a compartment in a public market.— Gwilt. 

Stanchions. The upright iron bars of a window or open screen. See 
Saddlebars. — Gwilt. 

Standards. The upright pieces in a plate rack, or above a dresser, or in 
a closet to support the shelving.— Gwilt. 

Staple. A piece of iron wire, pointed at each end and bent into the form 
of the letter U; to be driven into a wall or woodwork for fastening 
a hasp, bolt, or blind, etc.— Gwilt. 

Step. A block of any material and of such a height as is within a moder¬ 
ate lift of a person’s foot, say seven inches. A series of steps form 
stairs.— Gwilt. 

Stile or Style. The upright piece in framing and panelling; such as a 
stile of a door, etc.— Kidder. 

Story. One of the vertical divisions of a building. A sub-division of the 
height of a house comprehending the height ascended by one flight of 
stairs.— Britton. 


Stoop. A seat before the door; often a porch with a balustrade and seats 
on the sides.— Kidder. 

Stretchers. A brick or stone laid horizontally with its length in the direc¬ 
tion of the face of the wall. See Bond.— Brande. 

String Board or Stringer. The board next the well hole which receives 
the ends of the steps; its face follows the direction of the well hole. 

— Gwilt. 

The piece of board put under the treads and risers for a support, and 
forming the support of the stairs.— Kidder. 

String Course. A narrow, vertically faced, and slightly projecting course 
in an elevation ; continuous windowsills form a string course; also 
horizontal mouldings running under windows and separating the 
walls from the plain part of the parapets, also dividing towers into 
stories or stages.— Kidder. 

String Piece. The ceiling of a flight of stairs. — Gwilt. 

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Struts. See Braces. 

Studding or Studs. The small timbers used in partitions and outside 
wooden walls to which the laths and boards are nailed.— Kidder. 

Stucco. So called from its being stuck or placed upon the walls. A fine 
plaster for covering walls and for interior decorations, usually made 
of pulverized marble and gypsum.— Weale. 

Summer. A horizontal beam or girder. Any large piece of timber sup¬ 
ported on two strong piers or posts and serving as a lintel.— Weale. 

Stylobate. An uninterrupted base below a range of columns or pillars. 

— Brande. 

Superintendence. The architect’s duty of seeing that the quality of the 
materials and workmanship furnished are equal to those called for by 
the specifications, and that the building is being erected in accordance 
therewith. 



5* 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Surbase. A series of mouldings forming the capping of a dado or below 
the seat of a window.— Gwilt. 

A cornice or series of mouldings above a pedestal.— -Britton. 

Tamp. To pound the earth down around a wall after it has been thrown 
in.— Kidder. 

Tenon. A projecting rectangular tongue formed on the end of a piece of 
timber to be inserted into a cavity of the same form in another piece 
of timber.— Gwilt. 

Terra-Cotta. Baked clay of a fine quality much used for bas-reliefs for 
adorning the friezes of temples, etc. 

In modern times employed for architectural monuments, statues, 
bases, etc.'— Kidder. 

Terrace. An area raised before a building above the level of the ground 
for a walk; improperly used to denote a gallary or balcony.— Gwilt. 

Terminals. Figures of which the head and shoulders only are carved, 
the rest running into a diminishing pedestal.-— Kidder. 

Tessellated Pavements. Those formed of tesserae or tessellar or small 
cubes from half an inch to an inch square like dice; of stone, pottery, 
or marble, etc.— Kidder. 

Threshold. The sill of the door frame.— Gwilt. 

A piece of plank, timber, or stone beneath a- door and slightly raised 
above the floor.— Britton. 

Tie. A timber, rod, or chain binding two bodies which have a tendency 
to separate.— Kidder. 

Tie Beams. Beams connecting the bottom of a pair of principal rafters 
and preventing them from bursting out the wall.— Kidder. 

Tiles. Flat pieces of clay burned in kilns and used to cover roofs instead 
of slates ; either plain or ornamental, glazed or unglazed. For floors, 
wainscoting, fireplaces, etc. 

Small square pieces of marble are also called tiles.— Kidder. 


Tongue. That part of a board left projecting forinsertion into a groove in 
another piece.— Kidder. 

Tongued and Grooved. Boards which have a tongue on one edge and 
a groove on another are said to be tongued and grooved. 

Torus. A bulge, a raised ornament; a bold convex moulding in the base 
of a column.— Britton. 

Tower. That part of a church containing the bells and from which the 
steeple arises.— Brande. 

Tracery. The ornamental filling in the heads of windows, panels, 
circular windows, etc.— Kidder. 

Transept. That part of a church which passes transversely between nave 
and choir at right angles and so forms on the plan a cross.— Kidder. 

Transom. A beam or beams or cross-bars across a window to divide it 
into two or more lights in height.— Gwilt. 

Also applied to a swinging window over a door for ventilation. 

Tread. The horizontal part of a step or stair on which the foot is placed 
in ascending or descending.— Gwilt. 

Trefoil. An ornament of three cusps in a circle resembling three-leafed 
clover.— Brande. 

Trellis. A structure or frame of cross-barred work for summer houses, 
• verandas, etc. Lattice-work of wood or metal for vines to run on. 

— Kidder. 

Trestle or Tressel. Movable frames or stages for the support of planks, 
etc., from which workmen can reach ceilings or walls. When fastened 
with cross-pieces, carpenters call them “ horses.” 

Triforium. The arcaded story between the lower range of piers and arches 
and the clere story. 

Derived from “ tres ” and “ fores,” three doors or openings, that being 
a frequent number of arches in each bay.— Kidder. 



GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


59 


Open spaces between the vaulting and roof of the aisle of the church, 
generally lighted by windows in the external walls and opening to the 
nave, choir, or transept.— Weale. 

Triglyphs, The vertically channelled tablets of the Doric frieze, so called 
because of the three angular channels in them, two perfect and one 
divided, the two chamfered angles being reckoned one. 

The square sunk places are called “ Metopes.”— Kidder. 

Trim of a Window or Door. Sometimes used to denote the locks, 
knobs, hinges, fastenings, etc— Kidder. 

Trimmers. Pieces of timber inserted in a roof, floor, or wooden parti¬ 
tion to support the ends of the joists, rafters, etc.— Weale. 

Truss. A framed assemblage of pieces of timber for tying up or suspend¬ 
ing a principal beam for supporting a roof; a large corbel or modill- 
ion projecting from the face of the wall and supporting a mural 
monument, etc.— Britton. 

A frame of timber by which a force of compression is converted into one 
of tension or the reverse. 

Turret. A small tower, especially at the angles of larger buildings; 
sometimes overhanging and built on corbels, and sometimes springing 
from the ground.— Kidder. 

Tympanum. The flat triangular or circular space enclosed by the cornice 
of a pediment. See Pediment and Gable. — Britton. 

Underpinning. The stone or brickwork upon which the sills of a build¬ 
ing rest.— Hollowy. 

Valley. The internal angle formed by two inclined sides of a roof. 

— Kidder. 

Vane. A movable plate of metal fixed upon the top of a steeple or tower 
to show the direction of the wind; often in the shape of a bird or 
beast.— Kidder. 


Vault. An arched ceiling or roof; a laterally conjoined series of arches; 
the arch of a bridge is, strictly speaking, a vault.— Kidder. 

Vaultage. An arched cellar. 

Vaulted Ceiling. One built of stone, brick, or blocks of wood, support¬ 
ing itself on the principals of an arch.— Givilt. 

Venetian Window. One formed with three apertures separated by 
slender pieces from each other, the centre one being much larger than 
the ones on the sides.— Givilt. 

Veneer. A thin layer of wood of superior quality, for covering furniture, 
doors, etc., made of an inferior wood.— Givilt. 

Vent. The flue of a chimney; also any conduit for carrying off waste 
or smoke.— Gwilt. 

Ventilation. The continual change of the air of a room or edifice. 

— Givilt. 

Veranda. A light external gallery with sloping or straight roof, sup¬ 
ported on slender pillars and frequently partially enclosed with lattice- 
work ; oftentimes with glass to form a conservatory. 

Verge Boards. See Barge Boards. 

Vestibule. An entrance to one of the principal apartments of a house: 
an ante-hall, lobby, or porch.— Kidder. Britton. 

Vestry. A room adjoining a church where the vestments of the minister 
are kept and parish-meetings are held. 

The Sunday-School room is also called a vestry.— Kidder. 

Vignette. A running ornament of vine, branches, leaves, etc. See 
Casement. — Kidder. 

Volute. The convolved or spiral ornament characteristic of the Ionic 
capital.— Kidder. 




6o 


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS. 


Wainscoting or Wainscot. The wooden lining of walls generally in 
panels. The wood originally used was an oak called “Wainscott,” 
hence the name of the material became attached to the work itself. 

— Gwilt. 

Water-Table. A projection or horizontal set-off on a wall, so placed as 
to throw the water off from the wall; often applied in wooden build¬ 
ings to the projection between the underpinning and clapboards. 

Water Boards or Clapboards. Thin narrow boards nailed to the 
exterior walls to prevent the penetrating of rain. They are made 


thinner on one edge than the other; the thick edge of the upper board 
being lapped onto the thin edge of the lower and then nailed through 
the lap.— Gwilt. 

Well Hole. The void space left in the middle of a circular or other 
staircase, and which opens a cavity from the top to the bottom of a 
building.— Davis. 

Wing. A smaller part of a building attached to one side of the main 
edifice.— Mortimer. 













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